Ameyaxoxo has released a new album, “Who Knows – (Vol . 1).” “Bella’s Dream” opens the album perfectly, establishing a sophisticated yet accessible mood. The keys work lays a luxurious foundation, while those laid-back beats create the perfect pocket for everything else to sit in. When that saxophone enters, it really elevates the whole piece to another level. The sensual, classy undertones make it perfect for intimate settings, while those impressive key variations keep it musically engaging. It’s sophisticated without being pretentious – exactly what you want for a wine and dine atmosphere.
“Fall Is Here,” featuring Dave Thaker, takes that established mood and adds more movement. The beats here are especially well-crafted – they invite movement without demanding it. The saxophone work continues to shine, showing real artistry in both composition and performance. Those highlighted riffs add another layer of musical interest, making the track both danceable and musically rich. It’s the kind of song that works equally well as active listening music or as a soundtrack for slow dancing.
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“Outro” by Ameyaxoxo closes things out brilliantly with its funky, retro-tinged approach. The easy-going nature of the track makes it instantly appealing, while that retro undertone gives it a warm, familiar feeling. The way it builds in vibrancy through the second half shows smart arrangement – it’s like the album is saying goodbye with a smile and a dance. It’s the perfect way to wrap up the collection, leaving listeners with that feel-good energy.
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What’s impressive about this album by Ameyaxoxo is how it maintains a consistent mood while offering enough variation to keep things interesting. Each track has its own character while contributing to a cohesive whole. The production throughout is clean and professional, allowing the musicianship to shine through. It’s the kind of album that works both as background music for social situations and as an engaging listening experience in its own right.
We recently had an opportunity to talk to Ameyaxoxo about the new album. Keep reading to learn more.
1. Hey Ameyaxoxo! Congratulations on the release of your new album “Who Knows – (Vol .1).” When you first sat down to create the album, what was the feeling you were chasing?
A: When I decided to track this album, the first intention was to involve some of the local jazz musicians in the Philadelphia area. I have previously written a solo EP (Turill, released in 2024) and while I was writing the songs for this album, I wanted to keep things simple so as to promote a collaborative writing experience from all the people involved. I also really wanted to focus on a particular aspect of my guitar playing – rhythm guitar – exactly like a studio musician as I think the level of proficiency with studio musicians is something I really want to develop and imbibe as a part of my guitar approach. Also,I wanted to present these songs to the group and that allowed me to push my own boundaries a little bit further. Ultimately what ended up as the final versions of all these songs was something that I could never have imagined or accomplished if I was to work on the EP all by myself.
2. “Bella’s Dream” sets such a lush, romantic tone, almost like a musical invitation to a wine-and-dine evening. What mood or scene were you imagining when you composed this opener?
A: Bella’s Dream is based on my cat Bellatrix. When I composed this song, I was trying to imagine what Bella would be dreaming about. When she sleeps, the world feels so quiet and peaceful but you never can tell exactly what is going through their heads. That also explains the stark contrast in the two different chord progressions that make up the song. The solos played by Chet Williams and Joab Alexander further embellish the emotional complexity of the tune and the rhythm section comprised of Miguel Cid on bass and Daniel Wilfred on Drums keeps the song in a steady groove that sets up the song beautifully in my opinion.
3. “Fall Is Here” adds a little more movement while keeping things smooth. How did your collaboration with Dave Thaker come about, and what did he bring to the track’s energy?
A: Fall is here turned out to be an attention grabber of a song as I have received similar feedback pointing for the track. Dave Thaker is an established guitarist although new to the Philadelphia region and he is someone who has always been a constant source of inspiration and encouragement to make his own little footprint in the vibrant Philadelphia Jazz Scene. He brings virtuosic guitar technique executed with flawless ease and just being in the room while he was able to do that on my tracks is something I will cherish for a long time. Dave and I have since become great friends and to have him on the record (happens to be his first record in Philadelphia as well) is something very special to me. Also a special shoutout for Daniel Wilfred on drums for this track for suggesting we use a different snare drum for this particular track. That characteristic snare drum sound in contrast with the rest of the album serves as a perfect change of pace and sound, while keeping things smooth like you mentioned.
4. Each track feels like it’s part of a larger story, even without lyrics. Is there a narrative thread or emotional journey you hope listeners will feel across the album?
A: I like to think of this EP as it unfolds like a cinematic journey—one without words, yet rich in feeling and movement. Inspired by the textured rhythms and improvisational spirit of Yussef Dayes, Moses Yoofee Trio, and Ben Jones, the project guides listeners through a story that feels deeply personal yet universally resonant.The opening track suggests a quiet curiosity—a moment of stillness before motion. As the EP progresses, syncopated grooves and layered harmonies begin to stir restlessness, like the tension of a question unanswered. Midway, the mood shifts into something more exploratory and dynamic, as if the protagonist has left familiar ground in search of meaning or self.
There’s a sense of vulnerability here too—reflections on uncertainty, relationships, or time—carried by fluttering keys and percussive nuance. But rather than offering clear resolutions, Who Knows Vol 1 embraces ambiguity. The closing track doesn’t wrap the story up—it leaves space for the listener’s own interpretation, echoing the EP’s title with a quiet, knowing shrug.
5. “Outro” feels like the album is wrapping up with a knowing wink. How did you approach that final track emotionally and musically?
A: It’s an emotional arc that mirrors real life: open-ended, layered, and always evolving especially in the last track — that one’s different. It’s in a major key, and for me, it felt like a shift. Not a big, dramatic ending, but a gentle kind of clarity. Like coming to terms with not having all the answers. There’s a lightness in it, a kind of warmth I didn’t plan but needed. It feels like an exhale — a quiet acceptance that sometimes, not knowing is part of the beauty.
6. “Who Knows – (Vol . 1)” feels like the soundtrack to a slow-sipping, starlit evening. As you prep for your live show in Pune this December, how are you planning to bottle that vibe for a live audience?
A: Who Knows – (Vol. 1) definitely carries that late-night, reflective energy — like something you’d play while watching the stars or letting your thoughts drift. For the live show in Pune this December, I’m really leaning into that atmosphere. I want the audience to feel like they’re stepping into a space where time slows down — where they can just be with the music, without needing to make sense of everything.
I’m working with a live band for this one, so there’ll be room for improvisation, texture, and space between the notes. We’ll bring in some ambient elements, dynamic grooves, and maybe even visuals to set that nighttime mood. My goal is to translate the emotional arc of the EP — from the introspective tension to the gentle release of the final track — and let people feel it in real time. It’s less about replicating the recordings and more about building an experience that’s immersive, warm, and open-ended… just like the EP itself.
7. What’s next for Ameyaxoxo?
A: What’s next for me as Ameyaxoxo is to keep building on this foundation — exploring sound as a way to tell stories without words. Who Knows – (Vol. 1) was just the beginning. I’m already sketching out ideas for Vol. 2, which I want to take in a slightly different direction — maybe more rhythmic, maybe more experimental. I’m not rushing it. I want each release to feel honest and rooted in where I’m at emotionally and musically.
I’m also focusing on playing live more — turning these quiet, internal moments into shared experiences.
At the core of it all, I want to keep making music that invites people to slow down, reflect, and sit with whatever they’re feeling — even if there are no answers. That’s the heart of Ameyaxoxo. Collaborations are on the horizon too; I’ve been connecting with a few artists who inspire me deeply, both in and outside of jazz.
The Pune show is just the start. I have a few shows lined up here in Philadelphia as well. We will be playing our debut EP release show at Silk City Diner, Philadelphia. This is a reputed live music venue where touring acts are regularly scheduled for shows so this one is going to be very special for me personally and for us all as a group.
Enjoy listening to “Who Knows – (Vol .1)” by Ameyaxoxo here.
https://ameyaxoxo.bandcamp.com/album/who-knows-vol-1
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