Innerviewstomaca

MV: Let me start by saying that it is certainly a pleasure to get this opportunity to speak with you.

Jaeme: Thank you as well.

MV: I’ll like to start by saying congratulations on the new CD, “LOVESEXSPIRIT.”

Jaeme: Thanks again. It has been a long time coming on this one, and it's good to know it's been well received.

MV: You know I want to get this in before we go any further, my favorite cut off this CD is the love song “High.” I mean it’s slow, funky, cool and the tone on the guitar solo is hauntingly sweet.

Jaeme: the song is supposed to be sensual AND sweet, slow and meaningful yet salacious in the right way...

MV: Well, it certainly is all those things. You definitely delivered it vocally as well.

Jaeme: that was a difficult one to get right; I took the approach that Marvin Gaye used, which was bit by bit. I try not to rely on the technology too much, but each section was a different take spread over one VERY long afternoon. To be honest, the backgrounds took no time at all. It was the lead that was the trouble. How do you sing something that provocative and not come off as being dirty? That was a tough one to balance, I hope I achieved that. I hope that it is perceived as sincere, sensual and honest--something you can play for your lover and not feel like you're stepping into something X-rated.

MV: I must admit, after seeing you perform live several times including opening up for Living Colour, I was impressed, but surprised that your CD is less rock and more funk…well actually electric soul. I can use that term right? I realize that Electric Soul is also the name of your band, but is that summation of your musical style, close to what you consider it to be?

Jaeme: Yeah, I wanted to bring back funk in a major way. It seems some people misinterpret funk as music that is busy, but funk is a pulse: a heartbeat that you can feel even when the song is over. The mystery is in what notes you don't play. Many young musicians really overlook this. The live show is supposed to be more rock--with funk elements that translate better live, and to give you more energy so when you leave you can't wait to come back again. The cd will tie you over with enough similar elements ‘til the next time... the term ELECTRIC SOUL is how you're supposed to feel after the show, like an inner glow you take home ‘cause of the music. If you're not careful, though, the same thing will happen after you listen to the CD.....

MV: Another one of my favorite cuts is “Down On My Knees.” Now as a writer, I sense that the emotion you put into writing and performing that piece is genuine. There isn’t a fake inflection anywhere in that piece. Is that a fair statement?

Jaeme: That song was actually written by Emily Druce, and English artist. It was suggested by my father, during the demo phase, and it just mirrored my life at the time. That was the first cut recorded for LOVESEXSPIRIT.

MV: You certainly interpreted that song and expressed what Druce was feeling or writing about. Did your father (Skip McDonald) play acoustic guitar with you on that cut and are there any projects in the works that will pair you two up in the near future?

Jaeme: No, he wasn't on that one, but will probably be on the next one. I played most of what you hear on LOVESEXSPIRIT, minus drums on a few tracks, which were performed by Keith LeBlanc and Chuck Peterson.

MV: I see that you gave props to a very strong, well known supporting crew, by mentioning the names of Skip McDonald, Doug Wimbish, Keith LaBlanc, Vernon Reid and Will Calhoun on your CD. What was it like working with them, if not on this project, on any other projects or performances you had in common.

Jaeme: They are my inspiration. When I was 17, my listening was intentionally narrowed to TIME'S UP by LIVING COLOUR,and STRANGE THINGS by TACK>>HEAD. I sequestered myself: I had to figure out how that sound was created. It sounded like the future to me. Now I'm thankful for that, and thankful for the opportunity to work and play with all of them. It was a dream come true, as all of them have helped create the musician I am today.

MV: When one listens to this CD, from a musician/production standpoint, it appears to be a guitar player’s CD. That is to say, the guitar plays a very dominant role. I know you could say, well yes, the drums are on just about every track so, it could be considered a drummer’s CD, but there is no effort here to hide the guitars in the mix like some producers do in order to hide intonation issues or bad playing. Your guitar playing is right out there and like we use to say back in the day “funky.”

Jaeme: Like I said, if you keep it simple with a funk pulse, you don't have to hide anything. Guitar can be such a diverse instrument, melodic and rhythmic at the same time. I think players forget that. And drummers beware,: every extra note you play is another step towards the listener growing tired of you.

MV: Didn’t you get the opportunity to perform in Europe with Little Axe last year? How was that?

Jaeme: In 2002, Little Axe did a short European tour in support of the album Hard Grind. That was unbelivable. It was an honor to share the stage with my father. And ya gotta go to Belgium, ya dig?

MV: Well, I certainly hope to see you perform in the Hartford area soon.

Jaeme: I will be performing with the ELECTRIC SOUL on August 27th at Zen Bar in Farmigton CT, to be followed by monthly area appearances.

MV: Anything to add before we close?

Jaeme: Yeah, one thing...I saw your (Web)site, and you talked about my dad complaining about me de-tuning his guitars. Well, seems things have come full circle.

MV: How so?

Jaeme: Now he asks me to do that on purpose now!!! Guess things happen for a reason...

Thanks again, and I'll see you soon. show your love to all...

Jaeme was interviewed by Lionel Crawford for Music Villege / Inner Views.