Kramer releases brand new EP

Kramer is a Grammy-winning instrumental composer and self-described ‘blues singer rapper,’ coming out of the South Side of Chicago. His artistic journey reflects a life dedicated to both family responsibilities and the pursuit of musical expression. While serving as the primary arranger and composer for the Chicago-based duo Tensei, Kramer’s nocturnal dedication to his art has seen him enjoy a decorated career behind the scenes.

His recent solo endeavors highlight a transition to well-crafted messages, painted with his voice, piano and beats. Kramer’s creative lens encompasses a wide spectrum of topics, drawing from his unique vantage point forged by a life of early responsibility, family-raising and growing up in disadvantaged areas of Chicago.

In his solo debut, he unveiled a glimpse of his original sonic vision last year with the single “Perseverance,” a collaboration with the Tensei project and Regis Molina. Following this, a series of well-received singles paved the way for his debut full-length record, ReARTiculations. The pinnacle of his career arrived in February when he was awarded a Grammy for composing an orchestral jazz-funk piece featured on J Ivy’s album, The Poet Who Sat By The Door.

The genesis of his latest EP, Sitting Alone Suite, was inspired by a reflective moment along the central Californian coast after the Grammys. There, captivated by the mighty ocean waves, Kramer drew a profound parallel between their destructive potential and the divisive, anger-fuelled narratives prevalent in his country’s political landscape. The resulting EP serves as a plea for critical thinking and individual agency in the face of automated content curation.

Collaborating with an ensemble of talented musicians, including Alex Brinkman on cello, Dane Zone on drums, Brandon Meeks on bass and producer Benjamin Tierney, Kramer set out to craft an instrumental masterpiece. Opened by the lead track “Sitting Alone in Carmel,” delicate string tones stretch out as Kramer adds playful piano touches. The full arrangement builds out with fuzzy bass crunches and the uptempo tap of percussion. With pulsing rhythm, beautiful string flutters that layers elegant melodic lines and abrupt staccato shots, Kramer and his talented ensemble of musicians craft a stunning instrumental outing full of graceful ebb and flow, slick musicianship and superb composition.

The EP features reworked tracks, “Free” and “Alignment,” both demonstrating Kramer’s versatility. “Alignment” takes cues from the original, presenting a hazy, dub-inspired remix with smooth vocal chops above a smokey blend of bass, drums and intricate piano touches. Meanwhile, “Free” is a lo-fi rhythmic cut, encapsulating the EP’s essence in a concise one-minute burst, a true showcase of Kramer’s ability to distill complex emotions into succinct musical expressions.

The Tensei take on “Sitting Alone” features dreamy soundscape and compelling vocal leads, showcasing Kramer’s lyrical panache with a laid-back flow, floating between silky melodic delivery and smooth rap cadence. Each track in the EP contributes to the evolution of Kramer’s sonic identity, marking a significant chapter in his artistic journey via an exploration of the profound connections between the powerful waves of the ocean and the turbulent waves of the human world.

Listen to Sitting Alone Suite below