NEW RELEASE: "SUMMER KNOWLEDGE" LP BY JAKE VEST
Summer Knowledge is Jake Vest's first solo album after a decade in bands including Dream Team, Augustine, the Bulletproof Vests, and Tiger High; and as a sideman in Jack Oblivian & The Tennessee Tearjerkers, Richard James & The Special Riders, Clay Otis, Jump Back Jake, and The Echo Friendly.
Vest opted to go it (somewhat) alone on this first formal outing, composing and performing all the basic tracks before bringing in a crack team of musician friends to help with the finishing touches. Without their contributions the record wouldn’t be the same.
The album’s sound is the result of a years-long tonal partnership between Jake and his eldest (only) brother, Toby Vest, founder and co-owner of Memphis recording haven High/Low Recording. The brothers Vest crafted the dreamy atmosphere of the album alongside renowned earmaster (and close friend and High/Low co-owner) Pete Matthews, blending chiming electric guitars, keyboards, and a cymbal-less rhythm section. The result was a conscious move towards cleaner sounds that Jake had loved but hadn’t found ways to include in other projects.
The songs on Summer Knowledge comprise some of Vest’s most personal work to date. Songs like “Weeds In The Woods” and “Where I Should’ve Been” navigate an introspective maze of anxiety and uncertainty, while the lead single “Cloud Binge” is anchored in the excitement and anticipation of future.
The album was recorded and mixed in just under a week, in stolen moments between day jobs, other projects, touring bands, non-touring bands, and meals at Payne’s BBQ. It was finished just before Jake’s relocation to New York City.
Available now for purchase or stream on all digital outlets! Downloads come with a digital booklet designed by St. Francis Elevator Ride!
Be sure to check out the Cloud Binge remix by producer Scott Thorough! A chill blast of late summer mellow gold: