The Journey (Be A Light)
The Baylor Project
Released February 10, 2017
Grammy Nominee Best Jazz Vocal Album 2018
YouTube:
https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_kbN190O1KFjtBTCkYXaFwpK6acBiVIMrg
Spotify:
About:
Steeped in the heart and soul of jazz, Marcus and Jean Baylor’s highly anticipated collaboration showcases the grace and glory, versatility and virtuosity of a truly extraordinary musical union. Joining Marcus and Jean on their self-produced debut is an expansive assemblage of top-notch collaborators including pianists Allyn Johnson and Shedrick Mitchell, guitarists Rayfield “Ray Ray” Holloman and Marvin Sewell, bassists Dezron Douglas, Chris Smith, David “DJ” Ginyard and Corcoran Holt, percussionists Pablo Batista and Aaron Draper, tenor saxophonists Keith Loftis and Bob Mintzer, trumpeters Freddie Hendrix and Keyon Harrold, trombonist Stafford Hunter and harpist Brandee Younger.
As the children of Pastors, Marcus and Jean’s musical roots were planted deep within the church, and it was there that the road was paved for the influence of gospel, blues, soul, and jazz to make it’s mark. On ”The Journey”, listeners are taken on a comprehensive musical journey that showcases as much versatility as it does virtuosity. A world-class drummer, Marcus’ creativity and innovative storytelling ability expose his seasoned improvisation and musicianship. Jean, with her agile mezzo-soprano range, combines a fresh, whimsical, approach to phrasing with clever musicality resulting in soul-hugging vocal purity. Released around Valentine’s Day in February, “The Journey” has as much to do with the The Baylor’s 15 years of loving one another as it does with Black History Month. Their first feature recording together embodies the true spirit of love while also paying homage to their musical roots and those of the African American experience.
“The Journey is a true reflection of our childhood, the musical and cultural influence of the African American Church, and all the things that have become a part of our creative fabric from then until now,” says Jean. As co-creators of their label Be A Light, Marcus and Jean served as the sole producers of “The Journey”. “As producers, we were involved in every aspect of the project from inception to completion,” says Marcus, adding, “…from songwriting, arranging and collaborating with great musicians to cultivate the sound we heard in our heads, we loved having the autonomy to create music from the inside out.”
Anchored by their exceptional band, The Baylor Project made their live debut in 2013 at Smoke Jazz Club to critical acclaim. Such a success, they were extended an invitation to remain in residency at Smoke for the coming year. “Performing on a regular basis not only gave us the opportunity to evolve as a band, but to build a buzz and anticipation for The Baylor Project,” says Marcus. The buzz was certainly built; word-of-mouth brought packed houses at the famed Blue Note, Apollo Music Café, and DC’s Blues Alley, leading to performances in premiere jazz festivals across the United States and Europe—a glamorous arrival for two people from humble beginnings. Marcus is a native of Ferguson, MO and Jean, a native of Moorestown, New Jersey. Both grew up in a tradition that imprinted itself upon their craft.
It is apropo that it was their craft that brought them together back in 2000. It was then that Jean was set to perform at a showcase and found herself in need of a new drummer. On a fellow musician’s referral, Marcus and Jean were connected for the first time through music. As a close friend tells the story, Marcus fell in love with her that night on stage.
With “The Journey,” the Baylor Project showcases their outstanding versatility with a dynamic collection of original compositions, newly arranged standards and reimagined hymns. Upon pressing play, listeners are transported into the heart of the black experience: inside a little church in the mountains of West Virginia built by Jean’s ancestors, hands are clapping, feet are stomping on time tested hardwood floors, and voices testify to the power of prayer in song. “Block Party” is the joyful introduction to the Baylor Project rife with the church blues and jazz improvisation.
What follows is the Baylor’s signature arrangement of the stalwart hymn “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” and their lush arrangement of the Herbie Hancock classic “Tell Me A Story”, which is enhanced by original lyrics penned by Jean.
A restorative hymn for healing and forgiveness begins the original composition “Again” which then gives way to a full swing orchestration with horns and strings featuring explosive solos. On the following track, the Baylors present a beautifully moody arrangement of the Gershwin classic “Summertime” with the lush stylings of harpist Brandee Younger, thus providing a remarkable remedy for the familiar. On “Afro Blue”, listeners are filled with an open palette of sound that brings forth a sincere spiritual offering of faith, strength and resolve. Afro Blue is a journey in and of itself through the collage of solos that express a deep connection to their cultural roots.
An interesting surprise, penultimate tune “Laugh and Move On” is a tribute to a simpler time in music. “This song reminds me of an era in music that focused on telling a story with a lot of soul and some good ole’ fashioned singing about letting the tough times roll off your back,” says Jean.
Likened to an aria, Jean’s beautiful and sometimes haunting vocal arrangement is sung over Marcus’ dramatic drum solo on the final track “Journey”. Vacillating in and out of tempo and bound only to the rhythm of the soul, the two dance together telling their stories. Intertwined with voices of their personal lineage that give audible accounts of the discovery of their musical gifts, it is the perfect ending to the story and cleverly circles listeners right back to the beginning.
“We want to inspire, foster hope and ultimately, bridge the gap between generations in our culture,” says Marcus. With “The Journey’’, The Baylor project does just that. They are relatable, they are virtuosic, and for these reasons they captivate listeners and packed houses alike. “The Journey” pays homage to their wide-ranging musical influences, and in so doing; they generate an eclectic sound whose overall effect is spiritual, buoyant, and feel good music.
Track Listing:
1. Block Party (Jean Baylor / Marcus Baylor) 7:53
2. Great Is Thy Faithfulness (Thomas O. Chrisholm / William M. Runyan) 6:23
3. Tell Me a Story (Jean Baylor / Herbie Hancock) 4:43
4. Tenderly (Walter Gross / Jack Lawrence) 7:25
5. Our Love Is Here to Stay (George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin) 7:36
6. Again (Jean Baylor / Marcus Baylor / Allyn Johnson) 7:45
7. Summertime (George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin / Dorothy Heyward / DuBose Heyward) 6:53
8. Voice of the Drum (Interlude) (Jean Baylor / Marcus Baylor / Dezron Douglas / Allyn Johnson / Keith Loftis / Marvin Sewell) 1:58
9. Afro Blue (Dream) (Oscar Brown, Jr. / Mongo Santamaria) 8:58
10. Laugh and Move On (Jean Baylor / Marcus Baylor) 6:10
11. Journey (Jean Baylor / Marcus Baylor) 5:35
Personnel:
Jean Baylor: vocals, handclaps
Marcus Baylor: drums, Handclaps
Shedrick Mitchell: piano, organ (1, 2, 3, 10)
Allyn Johnson: piano (4- 9)
David “DJ” Ginyard: electric bass (1, 2)
Chris Smith: upright bass (3, 10)
Dezron Douglas: upright bass (4, 6-9)
Corcoran Holt: upright bass (5)
Marvin Sewell: guitar (3, 6-9)
Rayfield “Ray Ray” Holloman: guitars (1, 10)
Bob Mintzer: tenor saxophone (2)
Keith Loftis: tenor saxophone (4-6, 8-9)
Freddie Hendrix: trumpet, flugelhorn (1, 3)
Keyon Harrold: trumpet (6)
Stafford Hunter: trombone (6)
Aaron Draper: percussion, handclaps (1)
Pablo Batista: percussion, handclaps (2-4, 6-11)
Nicole Neely: live strings, arrangement (6)
Brandee Younger: harp (7)
Recorded at Brooklyn Recording with additional recording at Studio Pine, Be A Light Studios (track 1), Slap Hard Studios; Visual Rhythm Studios (track 2) and Slap Hard Studios; Be A Light Studios (tracks 3, 10); Systems Two Recording Studio with additional recording at Slap Hard Studios (tracks 4, 6-9, 11) and at Avatar Studios (track 5)
Engineers: Andy Taub (tracks 1-3, 10), Don Piper (tracks 1-3, 10), Katsuhiko Naito (tracks: 4 to 9, 11)
Additional Recording: Carlos “Yutaka” Del Rosario (track 2), Jean Baylor (tracks 10, 11), Katsuhiko Naito (track 5), Marcus Baylor (tracks 1 to 4, 6 to 11), Steve McKie (track 1)
Assistant Engineer: Joe Marciano (tracks: 4 to 9, 11)
Mixed and Mastered by Rich Breen
Photography by Deneka Peniston
Graphic Design: Cherise N. Brock
Produced by Jean Baylor and Marcus Baylor
Review:
The African proverb, “The spirit will not descend without song,” is intrinsically intertwined within the African- American religious experience, and is a revered aphorism encompassing the music of Black America, in its many forms and variations. Jean (vocalist) and Marcus (drummer) Baylor, known collectively as The Baylor Project, have deep roots in the church, and on The Journey, take a look back to where they came from, drawing deep from hymnology for inspiration, yet maintaining the secular swing and edge so essential in contemporary jazz.
The unmistakable sound of a needle dropping on a record opens “Block Party” a rousing, sanctified instrumental accentuated by rigorous hand-clapping and joyous celebration. Organist Shedrick Mitchell takes it to the river, and trumpeter Freddie Hendrix invokes the second line, as the hours between the Saturday night club, and Sunday morning service, appear to fade away. Jean is graced with a polished mezzo-soprano voice, seasoned by years singing hymns as “Great Is Thy Faithfulness,” which is given a delectable jazz arrangement, highlighted by the tenor sax of Bob Mintzer.
The soft side of Herbie Hancock is revealed on his ballad “Tell Me A Story,” Jean composing the lyrics, Hendrix reappearing on a flugelhorn solo, as Marcus adds a shimmering cymbal backdrop. “Tenderly,” is performed just as the title suggests, enhanced by Allyn Johnson’s piano accompaniment, leading to the alluring sax of Keith Loftis. The Gershwin songbook is visited with the blues oriented ‘Our Love Is Here to Stay,” Jean exposing her scatting ability, and the memorable “Summertime,” is presented in a sultry bolero tempo.
Beginning in hushed tones, enveloped in lush orchestration, “Again” breaks into a sizzling middle section where Marcus establishes a fast lane for stretching out. Jean joins in with spirited improvisation, then leads them back into tranquil waters. “Voice Of The Drum,” is a percussive interlude, a rhythmic introduction to “Afro Blue,” where Jean’s voice floats upon an Afro-Caribbean sensibility, saxophonist Loftis and pianist Johnson adding high energy and drama to the swaying momentum. They proudly show-off their soul music heritage as Jean channels Aretha on “Laugh And Move On,” complete with gospel tinged piano and backing vocals.
“Journey,” wraps up the set, and is a montage of vintage preachers praising the Baylor’s talents as children, while Marcus plays in a circular drumming pattern, Jean incanting an ancestral chant. A fitting closure to how The Baylor Project created and conceived this record, encompassing the musical and cultural reflections of their lives, from family to church to a life in jazz. This is an excellent portrait of African-American music, showcasing where it came from, and where it is now.
James Nadal (All About Jazz)
