The last time I photographed Jaime, I remember feeling like I hadn't known her long enough to offer any real perspective. I still can't, not fully. But what I said then still holds true.
She's as talented, whimsical, and sharply witted as the last time I saw her, maybe even more so now that time and repetition has passed.
Onstage, she's fully formed. Comfortable and assured adding a dimension to The Knee-Hi's that carries equal presence and prowess. Once a fan and supporter of her friends in the band, she's now undeniably part of the band's heart. One of my favorite attributes she brings is her measured ability to be as chaotic as she wants while still anchoring the other side of the balance, as there's also a calm and grace she projects with eyes closed, swaying in the fugue her keyboard provides. The.
Keys.
From a very personal Knee-Hi's wishlist POV, I've always wanted synths included into their songs. Her synth lines can pivot from a frenetic new wave bounce to something almost calliope inspired, dreamy and playful, still carrying that familiar sense of whimsy. Jaime's impact through them comes in loud and clear in the new tracks they perform and adds another nuance to older titles.
I won't drift too far into her role in the band's Mr. Hyde alter ego, The Jett Girls, or her earlier solo work, but her songwriting and lyrics drawn up previously are so up my alley and seeing her skills there surface within the group adds up to a wide range of creative contributions that make my already personal and biased view of the KH's even easier to lean into with Jaime in the room. So maybe I do know her a bit more after all and totally grateful for it.