Kiefer Shares ‘Memory Bomb’ Title Track from Blue Note Debut
Walter Smith III, Flanafi and Shibo feature on the pianist’s forthcoming album, due September 25.
Kiefer has shared “Memory Bomb,” the title track from his forthcoming Blue Note debut Memory Bomb, due September 25. The new single features Walter Smith III, Flanafi, and Shibo, bringing three of the album’s collaborators together on the recording. The album is available to pre-order now on color vinyl, black vinyl, CD, and digital download.
The title Memory Bomb is Kiefer’s poetic way of describing “a dream.” He divides that idea into three forms: the kind experienced during sleep, the kind rooted in wishful longing, and the ambitious kind connected to personal goals. Kiefer says those themes run through the direction of some, if not all, of the songs on the record. He also approached the album with a lyrical sense of storytelling, while its improvisational moments leave room for that story to feel different on repeat listens. The wider guest list includes Erick The Architect, Tony Stone, Planet Giza, Nate Smith, Cisco Swank, Relyae, Rae Khalil, and Amber Navran of Moonchild.
Collaboration shaped the album from its earliest stages. Kiefer’s first priority was bringing in CARRTOONS and Shibo, two of his closest friends, as co-producers because both already understood his sound and harmonic language. Their experience with drum programming also made them a natural fit for the sessions. From there, Kiefer expanded the process to include vocalists, rappers, and other musicians.
Next month, Kiefer will next present the debut edition of Over The Breaks at the Lodge Room in Los Angeles on September 18 and 19. The two-day festival is curated by Kiefer and will feature GENA, the project from Karriem Riggins and Liv.e, alongside CARRTOONS, Luke Titus, Shibo, and more. Kiefer’s fall tour will then begin on October 1 following the Los Angeles dates.
