Mei Semones @ Ace of Cups Columbus (6/6/2025)
Mei Semones delivers her breakout blend of jazz and indie rock melodies to a jam-packed music venue, the Ace of Cups, in Columbus, Ohio, this past Friday. (She is surprised to have so many Ohio fans, she admits.)
Mei is currently touring with her accompanying band which includes members Noah Leong (viola), Claudius Agrippa (violin), Noam Tanzer (bass), and Ransom McCafferty (drums) for her debut album, "Animaru", which has received immense praise from jazz heads and indie/garage rock enthusiasts alike.
Even Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers has taken note of Mei's prowess as a musician, despite her musical career only just beginning to flourish.
It was a treat to witness a younger crowd of truly talented musicians honoring the jazz genre, while also giving indie rock a bit of a revival as well. Seeing the synchronicity between all the members throughout the swells and beboping melodies that led straight into power chords and anthems was impressive to say the least.
But it's really not just the technical skills of Mei Semones and her band that draw fans in. It's also the somewhat enigmatic, yet also deeply familiar and nostalgic lyrics of the songs on Animaru that ground the music in something really special and touching.
I proudly belted out the lyrics of "Rat with Wings" alongside the crowd, as I have certainly met a few in my day. We may "never want them back" (line from the song), but it doesn't hurt to occasionally indulge in the good memories of a past relationship, right?
One fan in the crowed named Kev states, "I really enjoy Mei Semones deep understanding of jazz. She pushes the envelope of the genre by fusing it with rock and bossa nova, running bebop lines with new and exciting melodies, and constantly keeping me surprised with rhythm changes. I think of how far modern jazz has come and she proves that that the genre is alive and well because she is a leader with authenticity and her lyrics strike a really deep chord. "
Photos by Lauren Anderson
John Roseboro
Mei Semones
