Western Skies

Jacob Seyer

© 2022 Candyrat Records

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Melodically interweaving, rhythmically complex, and energetic with storytelling, Jacob Seyer’s debut CandyRat Records release, “Western Skies” chronicles the experience of discovering a new home in the Pacific Northwest, recovering from years of upheaval, and adjusting to life with family and friends through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Awake, Lettered Streets, and Equinox introduce an excited tone to the album, drawing influence from studies of Armenian jazz pianist Tigran Hamasyan. As Jacob connects for the first time with fellow fingerstyle artists Sean Hall, Kris Shultz, Trevor Gordon Hall, and Antoine Dufour, a period of inspired writing begins. Groundhog and Mothership keep up the energy, reaching back to early funk and R&B favorites like Bootsy Collins, James Brown, and Stevie Wonder. 

Celeste, Crescent, Sacred Hallways, and the title track, Western Skies are derived from Jacob’s studies both in Western Baroque and South American folk musics. Exploring the contemplative, these pieces speak to deeply rooted and cathartic memories in nature, depicting wide open vistas in the Cascades and rolling hills in rural Missouri, all painted by the same burning evening skies. With musical motives recurring across albums, Meditation No. 4 calls back to his 2018 release, “Migration,” developing themes of unease in the search for contentment. 

Nostalgia, present-mindedness, and personal growth all play large roles in Jacob’s music. “Western Skies” builds on the story of “Migration,” one of uproot and tragedy, telling a story of recovery and fulfillment, returning Jacob to his artistic roots.