There are several examples of people who began their careers in front of the stage before moving, either exclusively or sporadically, over to production duties. With the exception of a few Hip Hop luminaries, stories of artists transitioning from behind-the-scenes producers to the forefront of the stage are rare. Then again, Kramer, and consequently his music, are far from the ordinary or expected.
Hailing from Chicago, Kramer‘s involvement in music can be traced back to the late 90s, when he began experimenting with a 4-second sampler. Soon enough he became an instrumental member in the band Tensei, eventually expanding his skills to include composing and singing along the way. This set the groundwork for what is undoubtedly his biggest flex to date, winning a Grammy in 2023 for his instrumental arrangement for J. Ivy‘s Spoken Word Poetry Album, “The Poet Who Sat by the Door.”
Many would consider this a point of arrival, but for Kramer, this was a catalyst for the next important step in his career. Driving home from the ceremony, he took a day break along the central California coast. As someone who often turns to the sea for contemplation, I could associate with his experience of humming a melody amid the sound of crashing waves. The danger and beauty of the ocean draw parallels to the societal tumult Kramer wanted to capture in his music.
From that hummed melody emerged the piano riff that would become the foundation of his debut EP, the “Sitting Alone Suite.” Clocking in at just 10 minutes, the EP blends jazz, blues, funk, and lo-fi beats, mirroring Kramer’s musical evolution.
The opening track, “Sitting Alone In Carmel,” sets the stage for what is to come, exuding calmness while maintaining a high level of musical intricacy. The cello and piano intro initially suggest a more traditional song is about to come but this is soon dispelled by a dominating bass guitar riff that implies we are in for something special. The drums, akin to lo-fi beats, enhance the cool aura leading the listener along the way. The haunting piano passages evoke a sense of timelessness, making it a piece that is difficult to tether to a specific moment or emotion.
The second track “Alignment” is possibly my favourite moment on the EP despite clocking in at just over one minute. It reapprotiates the elements from the first track relying on a Cymbal-led drum line and that edgy bass guitar I can’t get enough of. The result conveys tension and restlessness while maintaining the same attention to the atmosphere it delivers. The vocal loop transports the listener to a place that feels simultaneously familiar and unexplored.
“Sitting Alone,” the next track, serves as a lyrical confessional of sorts, delivering a compelling vocal narrative with very few words spent. Melodic echoes from previous tracks fuse into a cohesive sound. The repeated refrain, “We’ve got to talk about it,” becomes an invitation for introspection.
The final track, “Free“, acts as a brief but impactful resolution. Dextrous guitar play and reverb-laden vocals form a memorable epilogue, leaving a trace that lingers long after the track ends. It reinforces my belief that this release should be savoured from start to finish. Throughout, Kramer explores themes rooted in the pitfalls of automated content curation and societal fractures, urging critical thinking.
The “Sitting Alone Suite” transcends genre boundaries, aligning seamlessly with my penchant for immersive and diverse musical experiences. Kramer‘s ability to distil complex emotions into succinct musical expressions has turned me into a follower and you should do the same.
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