Bruce's ambition is to reach people through his compositions in the hope that they will love listening as much as he loves composing.
Bruce Baker was born and raised in Los Angeles and still resides there with his wife and daughter. Bruce is known for his ability to write many jazz styles such as straight-ahead, bebop, latin, blues, and Broadway- style vocal melodies, yet maintaining a unique and recognizable sound of his own. He loves composing melodies that can be easily sung. Currently, he is writing and performing his own jazz compositions with his newly assembled "Altered Presence Jazz Band.”
Bruce has been exposed to jazz music since he was a child through his father (and jazz drummer) Irwin Baker. At 17 years of age, Bruce took his first jazz lessons from pianist Paul T. Smith, who after only a few lessons told Bruce “go and learn how to sightread, and then come back to continue jazz studies with me.” He subsequently found pianist & violinist Helene Mirich and has been studying with her since. Bruce always wanted to compose and arrange music, maybe more so than performing, and Helene was and continues to be a wonderful instructor, mentor, and friend. Bruce has since been composing and arranging music for jazz combos, big bands, and concerts bands in Los Angeles and surrounding areas. Currently, Bruce is performing live with his newly formed jazz trio - The Altered Presence Jazz Band - playing his original compositions and more.
L.A Jazz Scene Newspaper July 2015 (Issue #334) By Scott Yanow.
Bruce Baker Trio.
"Mandarin Blue" album review.
"Bruce Baker, a top local pianist who is also an excellent arranger-
composer, is showcased in both roles throughout Mandarin Blue which is
available from www.brucebakermusic.com.
Baker, bassist Michael Alvidrez and drummer Alex Smith form a tight yet
loose trio. Alvidrez interacts regularly with Baker while Smith is tasteful in
support. They perform eight of the pianist's originals, covering a variety
of moods. Among the highlights are the dancing blues "7&7," the wistful
ballad "Kim," a boppish "Fireflies" and the thoughtful "Mandarin Blue."
"Summer Kiss" uses five-note phrases effectively while the concise
"Baked Potato," a stretched-out blues that has drum breaks, would make
for a great theme song.
This is excellent modern mainstream jazz that is well worth checking out."
—Scott Yanow.
Read more
L.A Jazz Scene Newspaper July 2015 (Issue #334) By Scott Yanow.
Bruce Baker Trio.
"Mandarin Blue" album review.
"Bruce Baker, a top local pianist who is also an excellent arranger-
composer, is showcased in both roles throughout Mandarin Blue which is
available from www.brucebakermusic.com.
Baker, bassist Michael Alvidrez and drummer Alex Smith form a tight yet
loose trio. Alvidrez interacts regularly with Baker while Smith is tasteful in
support. They perform eight of the pianist's originals, covering a variety
of moods. Among the highlights are the dancing blues "7&7," the wistful
ballad "Kim," a boppish "Fireflies" and the thoughtful "Mandarin Blue."
"Summer Kiss" uses five-note phrases effectively while the concise
"Baked Potato," a stretched-out blues that has drum breaks, would make
for a great theme song.
This is excellent modern mainstream jazz that is well worth checking out."
—Scott Yanow.
"What I love about Bruce's music is that it's hip as hell but completely
accessible. So much melody and feel. He composes and performs these
fresh, infectious gems that make your toes tap and your soul smile." —
Writer, director, and songwriter Steve Mackall
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