Jaime Saso: A Musical Fusion of Cultures and Creativity
Jaime Saso, a musical virtuoso, carries a unique background, born in Panama and raised in the cultural melting pot of Texas. This multicultural upbringing has become the bedrock of his diverse musical style, seamlessly blending genres and roles as a guitarist, producer, and singer-songwriter. Saso’s debut album, “The Levee,” stands as a testament to his ability to craft serene and introspective compositions, inspired by his global experiences. His connection to The Beatles further showcases his deep-rooted passion for artistic expression and unity.
AMM. How did your multicultural background, being born in Panama and raised in Texas, influence your musical style and songwriting?
JS. Being exposed to different cultures, languages and sounds early on in life made me curious and I’m sure led to my desire to travel the world. I’ve always listened to many different musical genres, even if I don’t understand the language. Traveling the world exposed me to even more genres, sounds, and amazing musicians. I’m sure all of this subconsciously (and sometimes intentionally) finds its way into my art.
AMM. As a musician who excels in various roles such as guitarist, producer, and singer-songwriter, how do you balance and integrate these different aspects of your musical identity?
JS. It’s hard to balance these roles sometimes, but for me, the song is king. I love songwriting probably more than any other aspect of making music, so I probably spend the most time on that. When I’m making a record, I shift into producer mode, integrating all my other skills to serve the song. Of course, I’m playing guitar through all of these roles. I wish I had the discipline to practice guitar more like I did when I was a teenager, when I just locked myself in my room and practiced for hours.
AMM. The reviews of your debut album “The Levee” have been incredibly positive, with mentions of its artistry, calmness, and well-written songs.
JS. Could you tell us about the creative process behind the album and what inspired its themes and melodies?This album is comprised of songs I’d written over many years, spanning many themes. It was the first album I produced, so I was curious to try out different sounds and recording methods. I also had a lot of different musicians play on that record, and I even composed some horn parts which was fun!
AMM. It’s clear that you have a wide range of musical influences, from classic songwriters to diverse composers and instrumentalists. How do you incorporate these varied inspirations into your music, and how does it contribute to your distinctive sound?
JS. I’d say it’s more subconscious than anything else. What goes in (to my earholes) comes out through my playing and writing. I try not to think about it too much, though my sound could probably best be classified as Americana/folk-rock.
AMM. Your love for The Beatles is evident, especially with your tradition of signing at the Strawberry Fields memorial. How have The Beatles influenced your approach to songwriting and your musical career as a whole?
JS. The Beatles were always pushing the envelope and experimenting. They were like magicians. At one point I got really deep into the music theory behind their songwriting (I got a book called “The Songwriting Secrets of the Beatles,” which just fascinated me). Their music is timeless, which is the ultimate thing to strive for as a musician. Busking at Strawberry Fields has made me a better performer, and I’ve made some great friends and met some interesting people there!
AMM. “Stephanie” has been praised as a gorgeous guitar-driven ballad with hit single potential. Can you share the story behind this song and how it came to be part of your debut LP “The Levee”?
JS. I had just moved into a new place, and upon waking up there on my first morning, I had this melody in my head, so I quickly mumbled it into my recorder so I wouldn’t forget it. Later, I came up with a guitar part for it, and the song ended up being about someone who’s lost their way.
AMM. Who was John Lennon for You? and What is John Lennon’s song “Imagine” for you?
JS. John was a genius songwriter, first and foremost. His songs have always resonated with me more than the other Beatles, though I love them all. He was really deep, a great wordsmith, and also very humorous. His song Imagine, to me, is a dream. It’s ok to dream, you are not alone. Maybe if we all dreamed more and pursued our dreams more, the world would be a better place.
AMM. On July 7th. You did the Kube Man performance series. Can you share your experiences? What did you learn from it? What did you like most about? and What is the Kube Man for you?
JS. I had a blast being Kube Man! Physically it felt a bit constricting, but I also felt liberated in a way. I realized that most people aren’t too receptive to new sights and experiences, though some definitely are! I loved seeing the fascination in people’s eyes, and the curiosity of the kids. I know I was fascinated when I first saw Kube Man while I was busking at Strawberry Fields. For me, Kube Man is a teacher with a very important lesson: We are all one. And for me, it will always be one of my favorite experiences at Strawberry Fields, since it perfectly ties into John Lennon’s message of unity, peace and love.
