JAMIE LEEMING - Sequent (Vinyl)

A key collaborator of Alfa Mist, Tom Misch and Jas Kayser, Jamie Leeming's musical mastery has long since made him one of London's most sought after jazz guitarists. Initially gaining notoriety through his work on Alfa Mist's string of cult-classic albums, he then stepped out solo; first in collaboration with pianist Maria Chiara Argir on their collaborative 2020 album 'Flow' then in 2022 with his debut solo long player 'Resynthesis' (which featured Laura Groves & Quinn Oulton). Jamie now returns with his sophomore solo album 'Sequent', to be released 19th September via Sekito Records imprint. It features contributions from Laura Misch, Sly5thAve, Alfa Mist, Richard Spaven and Kaya Thomas-Dyke (who also painted the album's beautiful cover art). Co-produced with Alfa Mist, and inspired by albums from the likes of Milton Nascimento and Egberto Gismonti, 'Sequent' is a constantly evolving twelve-track odyssey. Recorded live, using vintage production techniques, it captures the sound of musicians at the top of their game, locked into creating an enveloping tornado of sound. Exploring the very nature of change, the album's tracks act as momentary windows into the ever-shifting nature of the compositions. Jamie's vision for creating vast, sprawling arrangements is on full display, melding with analogue sounds and warm instrumentation, with the result being a truly enthralling, cinematic and emotive listening experience. The album is announced with first single 'Shore Embrace', Jamie joined by Laura Misch on vocal duties, glassy guitar arpeggios are joined by lament-tinged saxophone motifs, propelled by dusty drums as Laura's undulating vocals flow effortlessly overhead. Second Offering 'Thinking Of Yesterday' is an autumnal and sparse composition, as descending guitar patterns meld with Kaya Thomas-Dyke's silken tones, gradually unfurling into spectral and ethereal realms. On their collaboration, Jamie explains 'I've been part of various musical projects with Kaya over the years, it was really special for me to be able to collaborate together on a track. Kaya also painted the incredible artwork for the album, an image of hexagram 24 from the I Ching, an ancient Chinese text which translates as "Book of Changes". Final single 'Late One' sees Jamie connect with Texas native Sly5thAve, constructing an intricate, delicate and groove-laden offering. On their creative partnership, Jamie says: "Late One" was written about nighttime contemplation, and the moment when the sky begins to lighten. The foundation of the track was recorded live, on the first take. It was a highlight for me to collaborate with Sly5thAve, who I met whilst touring the USA with Alfa Mist. His approach to this is beautifully unique and involves, amongst many other aspects, detailed orchestration of individual musical moments, performed by multiple layers of woodwinds.". 'Sequent' is a beautifully understated listen, led by majestic and elevational instrumentation and perfectly captured for full and unfiltered appreciation. Throughout the LP, fusion licks meet scattered drums, dancing together across great plains of tonal shifts, as it marches forward to a pace of its own making, showing that great things cannot be rushed. It's a powerful body of work, one that surely will place Jamie shoulder to shoulder amongst his peers, and with other giants of the scene.

Vinyl release of Jamie Leeming - Sequent (Vinyl). Released through SEKITO and available on LP.