Brooklyn-based, Berklee-trained singer-songwriter Mei Semones released her debut EP, Kabutomushi, today via Bayonet. It’s a real treat, showcasing an incredible amount of talent and firm grasp on a few different styles — jazz, tropicalia, ’90s-style indie rock — that she weaves together effortlessly. Give it a spin below.
For a little more on where Mei is coming from, musically, she made us a list of her favorite jazz albums, which include titles by John Coltrane, Grant Green, Thelonious Monk, Wes Montgomery, and more. Check out her list and commentary below.
Mei Semones’ Top 10 Jazz Albums
John Coltrane – Both Directions At Once: The Lost Album
Untitled Original 11383 & 11386 are two of my favorite songs of all time, and Coltrane is my favorite musician of all time. I think these are really special and powerful performances, and they encapsulate all the things that I love about music.
John Coltrane – Coltrane Plays The Blues
Doesn’t get much better than Coltrane playing the blues. My favorite on the album is “Blues to You.”
John Coltrane – Coltrane’s Sound
I really like “26-2” & his rendition of “Body & Soul.” And I like how the album has a balanced mix of originals, contrafacts, and standards.
Thelonious Monk – Solo Monk
Monk’s playing is so charming and it makes me smile to listen to it. My favorites on this one are “Ruby, My Dear, I’m Confessin’ (That I Love You),” and “Ask Me Now.” I really love his harmonic choices, and the way his melodies fit within them.
Bud Powell – Piano
My favorite song on this album is “Celia.” Such a great melody, and I love Bud Powell’s playing — he captures all the things I love about this era of music.
Wes Montgomery – Incredible Jazz Guitar
Wes was one of the first jazz guitarists I was introduced to. I’ve transcribed a good amount of Wes so I think he’s had some influence on my playing, and I find his story very inspiring 🙂 I remember playing Four On Six in high school and feeling empowered as a guitarist haha.
Bill Evans & Jim Hall – Intermodulation
I love Bill Evans and Jim Hall together. The way they interact on this album is so beautiful, and it never gets old to listen to. I think they’re a perfect pair, and Jim Hall is one of my favorite guitarists. I’m not sure how close they were in real life, but to me it sounds like they were best friends. I can’t think of a duo that I like more.
Charlie Parker – Charlie Parker With Strings
Like for many people, Charlie Parker was one of the first jazz musicians I was introduced to. He will always have a special place in my heart. I especially like this album because strings are a big part of my music.
Grant Green – Idle Moments
Grant Green was my favorite guitarist for a very long time. He has his sound, he has his licks, and he plays them really well. I’ve transcribed a lot of Grant Green, so I think he’s had an influence on my playing. One of my professors in college would always talk about how Grant Green is the most recorded jazz guitarist in history, and it’s because when he’s doing sessions for other people, he doesn’t play very much. He leaves lots of space and I appreciate that.
Chet Baker – Chet Baker Sings
This album inspired me to try singing jazz. Chet Baker’s intonation is so spot on, and his scat solos are really tasteful. I love how he sings with little vibrato, just really solid tone & intonation. My favorites on this album are “My Ideal,” “But Not For Me,” and “I Fall In Love Too Easily.”
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Mei plays an EP release show at Brooklyn’s Baby’s All Right on April 15 and will be on tour with Katy Kirby this summer. All dates are listed below…
MEI SEMONES – 2024 TOUR DATES
Mon. Apr. 15 – Brooklyn, NY @ Baby’s All Right (EP Release Show)
Thu. July 25 – Portsmouth, NH @ The Press Room %
Fri. July 26 – Boston, MA @ Brighton Music Hall %
Sat. July 27 – Brattleboro, VT @ The Stone Church %
Sun. July 28 – Troy, NY @ No Fun %
Tue. July 30 – Toronto, ON @ Velvet Underground %
Fru. Aug. 2 – St. Louis, MO @ Off Broadway %
Tue. Aug. 6 – Bloomington, IN @ The Bishop %
Wed. Aug. 7 – Columbus, OH @ Ace of Cups %
Thu. Aug. 8 – Cleveland, OH @ Mahall’s %
% w/ Katy Kirby