In musical families, there’s something uplifting and inspiring about the opportunity to come of age, establish bridges from past to present and build upon legacy. True to the thought-provoking title of LEMEK'S multi-faceted debut album, the 21-year-old emerging guitarist reflects upon and pays homage to the influence of his father, veteran saxophonist Quintin Gerard W., who has been performing for over 30 years and whose popular solo albums showcase a unique blend of Urban/Contemporary and Smooth Jazz called FnkySax.

Beyond simply using a different instrument to express his passion, what makes this generational hand off unique is the way LEMEK builds upon the soul and jazz foundation of his father yet takes his own music into unique rock and experimental territory. The New Orleans based musician draws on his extensive repository of guitars— most notably his “spanky, fonky” Fender Stratocaster and hand crafted custom designed Singleton Guitar— to take his vibes way beyond smooth jazz territory to incorporate elements of prog rock, fusion and even metal. LEMEK grew up listening to jazz greats like Pat Metheny and Stanley Jordan while exploring the music of Quintin’s classic R&B world via Charlie Wilson/The Gap Band, Michael Jackson and Ronnie Laws. Yet LEMEK also attributes an eclectic stylistic voice to axe men in other genres that inspired his sound with equal force — most notably, Peruvian hard/alt rock virtuoso Charlie Parra, Timothy Henson of the instrumental progressive rock band Polyphia and Tosin Abasi of the instrumental progressive metal band Animals as Leaders.

"I have a story to tell,” says Lemek, who won the highly competitive First Annual KRK Guitar Solo contest at NAMM 2020, held in conjunction with Gibson and Epiphone. “Being the son of a renowned saxophonist who has had a huge impact on my life, musically and otherwise, prompts me to carry on his legacy and reflect the knowledge he has imparted to me. My aim is to create a statement that lasts for generations to come.”

A visit to LEMEK"S website shows that he identifies and accepts his true history, language, land, and culture as a Hebrew Israelite by birthright. His name, pronounced Leh’- Mek, traces back to Genesis, where the Biblical Lamech is the eighth generation descendant of Adam through Seth. He is the father of Noah and, appropriate as it applies to LEMEK'S life, he was responsible for comforting humanity in their work and toils—bringing rest to the soul. “My name is important to me because it also means ‘patriarch,’ one who brings forth life after that which we call death,” the guitarist says. “I am true to always living and embodying the noble characteristics and attributes of my name throughout my life.”