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Jalen Baker: Be Still
ByThe opening number "T'Was" is a Baker original which may have a rough texture, but never tempers his exploratory instincts. The title track "Be Still," another Baker number, builds on his musical instincts, and demonstrates his expressive flexibility and the steadfastness of his band-mates. The four have enjoyed a cohesive unity despite their disparate Houston backgrounds.
Moving on to a couple of originals from acknowledged jazz greatsnamely Bobby Hutcherson's "Herzog" and Joe Henderson's "Jinrikisha"allows the young talents to show they have a solid footing in modern jazz; they do not disappoint. The former is a swinger propelled by Moolchan's drumming and the rock-solid big- tone bass of Godoy. Baker runs the bars in a single-note style with prickly proficiency, while the pianist Cornish delivers a sharp attack during his interjection. On the latter, after a straight-forward opening line, the bassist Godoy takes a solo of several choruses which exhibits his command of timbre and texture. Throughout the chart, the band delivers on the notion that they are unfailing creative partners.
The closer is the Johnny Green classic "Body And Soul," offered in a traditional ballad tempo; Baker lays out the easily recognizable melody with lots of reverb from the vibraphone, leading to Godoy's big sound solo effort. Overall it is a sensitive and articulate reading of the composition and a fitting conclusion to this release.
Track Listing
T'Was; Be Still; Lexi's Lullaby; Herzog; Jinrikisha; There's Beauty In Fear; The Light; Body & Soul.
Personnel
Album information
Title: Be Still | Year Released: 2023 | Record Label: Cellar Live
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Jalen Baker
Album Review
Pierre Giroux
Lydia Liebman Promotions
Be Still
Cellar Live
Cory Weeds
Paul Cornish
Gabriel Godoy
Gavin Moolchan
Bobby Hutcherson
Joe Henderson
Johnny Green