Jamey Arent: The Back Burner

The name of Los Angeles based guitarist/singer/songwriter Jamey Arent's debut EP may be inspired by his years a sideman supporting the likes of Frankie Valli and Matthew Morrison and contributing to network television and Netflix soundtracks -or maybe it's in reference to burning playing atop laid back grooves. In any case, don't put The Back Burner (Self Released, 2019) on the back burner; it belongs at the top of your listening pile, whether you're into jazz, rock, blues, soul, funk or any other good music.

The self titled opener is a powerhouse right out the gate. Featuring a full horn section, wailing organ and multiple funky guitar tracks, we are immediately introduced to Arent as not just an incredible guitarist, but as a skillful composer and arranger as well. The time he spent as a sideman serve him well on tracks like this, or "Stay For The Night," where his multiple guitar parts blend to create rich textures without overpowering the vocal or solos. This isn't to say that Arent doesn't know how to take center stage, though.

On tracks like "47 Days" and "Castle Green" Arent's songs are taken to another level by his expressive performances; whether it's his vocal or his guitar playing, he is subtle and tasteful while still driving the band and song with intense energy. Fans of guitar may kick themselves for not discovering him sooner. Arent's playing calls to mind greats like Robben Ford, Larry Carlton and Pat Metheny, among many others, without ever sounding derivative.

Fans of rock, funk, jazz, blues or of guitar in general will love The Back Burner, and not just for Arent's playing. He enlisted the help of some of Los Angeles' finest musicians to back him. Co-writer Amber Navran (Moonchild) helped pen "How far We've Come," which features vocalist Raquel Rodriguez, while Spencer Day lent his skill to "Stay For The Night." The EP is blessed with the talents of bassists Corbin Jones and Nick Cambell (Shrek Is Love) and drummer Christian Euman (Kurt Elling, Jacob Collier). The Back Burner is available now.