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The Baylor Project at the DC Jazz Festival
Courtesy thebaylorproject.com
The District Wharf
The DC Jazz Festival
Washington, DC
September 3, 2022
The 18th Annual DC Jazz Festival (August 31—September 4, 2022) closed out five days of music with a weekend of spectacular performances at The District Wharf, an outdoor space teeming with restaurants, shopping and waterfront living. Considering that the world is still in the throes of a global health crisis and considering that the DC Jazz Festival had been scaled back for the past two years due to the the COVID-19 pandemic, how would audiences feel about less restrictions and more exposure? Who would show up? Was it too much too soon?
With the crowds and temperatures seemingly at record highs, it's safe to say crowds couldn't have been more ready. Artists including bassist
Christian McBride
bassb.1972
Ron Carter
bassb.1937
Mambo Legends Orchestra
multi-instrumentalist
Emmet Cohen
pianob.1990
Donvonte McCoy
trumpet
Marc Cary
piano
Kris Funn
bass
Heidi Martin
vocalsOn Saturday, September 3, 2022, husband and wife duo Marcus and Jean Baylor brought their multi-award winning
The Baylor Project
band / ensemble / orchestraTerry Brewer
piano
Freddie Hendrix
trumpetb.1976
Keith Loftis
saxophone
Richie Goods
bassWith Jean's stunning beauty and powerhouse vocals and Marcus's charm, careful leadership and effervescent personality as the icing on a delicious cake, what's most engaging about the Baylor Project's performance was the palpable joy that emanated from the stage and the infectious quality it had on those blessed enough to bear witness.
Their performance of "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" was singularly the most exquisite piece of music played all weekend. Opened with a brief, but gospel-tinged piano intro that melded with rhythmic sax and trumpet, the song felt as funky and neo-soulish as something from the
Robert Glasper
pianob.1978
Roy Hargrove
trumpet1969 - 2018
That freedom colors how the Baylors approach the music; melding the soul of gospel with the warmth of R&B and the innovation of jazz, their music is not what anyone thinks it should be, but it's every bit of who they are. The favor, well, that's a gift. On "Tenderly" Brewer accompanied Jean as she vocally demonstrated what it means to interpret a lyric. It's easy. She doesn't try too hard and neither does Brewer. Her articulation and phrasing along with Brewer's soft touch on piano created a delicateness that sounded both tender and sweet, just as was intended. Eventually Marcus joined in with Goods and Loftis not far behind following Jean's lead every step of the way. What they created together was a sound that was equal parts classic and new. Jean brought the moment back to the spirit with a beautiful version of "Hallelujah" that again featured accompaniment by Brewer. Jean took liberties to flex her vocal chops and it was a great thing that she did.
Though she is the voice of the Baylor Project, it's easy for Jean's talent to be taken for granted for the sake of the whole. When she steps to the front of the stage, flat-footed with arms outstretched wide, however, one of the best voices in jazz music today rings out. What she can do with a lyric, the control she has over her instrument, her generosity and thoughtfulness is the stuff legends are made of.
The Baylor Project is not Jean Baylor alone. Marcus's vision for his wife, their collective artistry, and their ability to create from a place of authenticity was a risk well worth taking. Brewer, Loftis, Hendrix, and Goods offered excellent accompaniment that may have delivered something different with another group of guys. On that day and in that hour, those musicians were just what the evening and the music called for: they were everything. Let the church say, Amen!
Tags
Live Review
The Baylor Project
Bridget A. Arnwine
Lydia Liebman Promotions
United States
District Of Columbia
Washington
Christian McBride
Ron Carter
Cindy Blackman-Santana
the Mambo Legends
Emmet Cohen
Donvonte McCoy
Marc Cary
Kris Funn
Heidi Martin
Terry Brewer
Freddie Hendrix
Keith Loftis
Richie Goods
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About The Baylor Project
Instrument: Band / ensemble / orchestra
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