Ajeva Debut New Album at Dunedin Brewery OctoBEERfest Friday
Ajeva, the remarkable sextet from Gulfport/St. Petersburg, are about to release the band’s fourth studio album, self-titled. The release part is part of the Dunedin Brewery OktoBEERfest activities. Ajeva will unveil the album Friday, October 4, at 9 p.m.
THE BAND
During the band’s seven years in existence, there have been a few personnel changes. Multi-instrumentalist Dean Arscott was there at the beginning; he left the band to pursue his stunning artistic talents, not the least of which is his amazing sand carving. Several years back, the band scored with the discovery of guitar phenom Skyler Golden and keyboard wizard Mark Mayea. Then, at last year’s Hometeam New Year’s Rally, during the Ajeva set, Golden revealed that some ongoing physical issues with his arm would prevent him from playing guitar for at least the near future. That night, we were introduced to the band’s new guitarists, Michael Nivens and Elliott Dickinson. This new edition of the band is outstanding.
Ajeva the album was recorded before Golden left the band; he is the guitarist on the recording except as noted below, joining Mayea and founding members Reed Skahill, vocals, guitar; Taylor Gilchrist, bass; and Travis ‘Two Tall’ Young (well, he is), drums, percussion. The saxophone player is Nick Bredal, and The Captain is voiced by Rashad ‘Shadcore’ Harrell. Jimmy Rector, who designed the album cover, also plays percussion on some tracks.
THE ALBUM
This album is a departure from what you’ve come to expect from the funky Ajeva boys. Which is not to say there’s no funk, but rather to say that there is much more introspective, mid-tempo music here. It is also a departure because this is a concept album, tying together elements that have been part of their live performances for more than a year, including the ever-popular “Funky Green Men” and the eternal search for “Joey” during the song “Greasy.”
The album tells the story of the members of Ajeva traveling through time and space after escaping their home planet. “AlphaOmega” opens the saga, with the storyteller (The Captain, we will discover) beginning: “I’m going to tell you a story. The story of how we got here. The story of Ajeva.” For most of the track, Mayea’s synthesizer swirls in the background, switching to Hammond B3 at the coda.
“7:45” does bring the funk, with Golden (guitar) and Bredal (saxophone) in tandem, Mayea on Hammond B3. The tune rides on the great thump from this fine rhythm section: Gilchrist and Young. Mayea has a superb piano solo. Golden goes next, so subdued, and Skahill reiterates the positive messages we are accustomed to hearing from Ajeva.
That relaxed, laid-back mood washes over “Waves.” Mayea’s sensitive Fender Rhodes electric piano points the way, Young providing the pulse. Skahill’s vocals are again on point, and Golden has two excellent understated guitar solos.
“On the Beach” is a brief discussion between “Joey” and his girlfriend. People have told him there’s “something bigger out there for all of us.” He explains that it would entail leaving on a starship. Asked if he planned to leave her, he assures her he wants her to go, too.
“Try Not To” begins with spacey synths and a very funky bass line. That all-inclusive message is first and foremost: “We’re all the same. You take the puzzle pieces and hold them just the right way.” Mayea kills on electric piano, Bredal has a fine sax solo, and Golden shines again. Young’s drums are dynamic; as the pace picks up, Gilchrist goes into space bass mode. This rocks so hard, especially the interplay of Golden and Mayea (Hammond B3). Along the way, they tease the theme to the next song, which emerges as fan-favorite…
“Space Ducks.” And it is time to ROCK OUT. “We are ducks from outer space!” This is a Santana rave-up.
The Captain (Hey! That’s the same voice as the storyteller!) updates “Captain’s Log 11.23.58,” as he explains to the starship crew that they are “taking a leap of faith and heading toward a black hole.” Then he says, “It’s really going to be…”
“Something Else.” They return to the mellow, introspective sounds from the beginning of the album. Mayea moves to Hammond B3 but then switches to clavinet as the tempo gets bouncy. In the background, there are patrons at a starship gambling establishment: the Crab Nebula Casino!
The best of Ajeva funk pours out during “No Holding Back.” Mayea plays funky-chunky guitar while Golden solos, Skahill on Fender Rhodes and vocals. Interestingly, the song makes a right turn into a distinct Allman Brothers vibe, including the twin-guitar lead near the end.
The mellow groove of “Metaphysics” is near-perfect. Mayea’s electric piano and Golden’s guitar intertwine while Gilchrist and Young provide the heart. Skahill’s vocals enhance it all. The tempo builds, and they rock out again, leading into…
“Funky Green Men” from Mars, another concert staple. Skahill sings atop synths, alto sax, and guitar, Mayea bouncing on Hammond B3. Golden solos on both sides of a rap by ‘Two Tall’ Young. The music swirls and builds suddenly into a prog rock romp, then shifts into yet another great prog rock outburst. Mayea trips out on synth before they rein it in to return to the head. The chorus parts with guitar and sax are so reminiscent of Zappa’s work.
Gilchrist’s bass thumps introduce “Greasy” while a crowd searches for “Joey.” Skahill has first guitar honors here. This songs twists and turns like a snake, hitting a revival rave-up with Gilchrist and Young simply bouncing. Tempo change: slow funk accompanying Skahill’s lyrics of positivity, Mayea’s clavinet out front, then synths. Tempo change: fusion funk-out. This is such a great theme. Tempo change: mellow, mellow, mellow. Subtle guitar. Tempo change: back to that great fusion theme.
Mark Mayea is playing barrelhouse ragtime piano as the storyteller, aka The Captain, explains that they are a year away from earth and a long way to go during “Chicken Shirts.” Pure fun.
What a great interplanetary ride… on the deck of the starship!
AJEVA
Website
Facebook
Instagram
