Baker, Jalen
Outside In Music, 2021, CD
Instrument: Vibes
Issue: 27.3
Jazz Ruler Type: Bebop
Performance: 4
Sound: 3
Score: 76
O’s Notes: DC native Jalen Baker was raised in Houston and studied both classical and jazz genres as a vibraphonist, percussionist, educator, and composer. That lends an air of sophistication to his music that we hear on This is Me, This is Us, his debut release. The soothing strings blended with vibes and trumpet on “Patience” and “Don’t Shoot” are prime examples. That contrasts with the upbeat, syncopated rhythm on “We Regret To Inform You” and “Healing”. They finish with a lullaby, Stevie Wonder’s “Love’s In Need Of Love Today” featuring Baker alone on vibes.
Publicist: lydia Liebman Promotions
