The Journey The Baylor Project

• 1 Block Party 07:53
• 2 Great Is Thy Faithfulness 06:23
• 3 Tell Me A Story 04:43
• 4 Tenderly 07:25
• 5 Our Love Is Here To Stay 07:36
• 6 Again 07:45
• 7 Summertime 06:53
• 8 Voice Of The Drum (Interlude) 01:58
• 9 Afro Blue (Dream) 08:58
• 10 Laugh And Move On 06:10
• 11 Journey 05:35
• 12 More In Love 06:31
• Total Runtime 01:17:50

Info for The Journey

"The Journey" - 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. With “The Journey,” The Baylor Project delivers a dynamic collection of original compositions, newly arranged standards and reimagined hymns that captivate audiences and packed houses alike. 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. “We want to inspire, foster hope and ultimately, bridge the gap between generations in our culture,” says Marcus and Jean. The Baylor Project does just that. "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. "The Baylor Project".

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.

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)

The Baylor Project
What is "The Baylor Project?"

A husband. A wife. An astonishing duo built on love, family, faith, culture and community.

These are the things that power The Baylor Project featuring Jean Baylor and Marcus Baylor. This enticing collaboration is steeped in the heart and soul of jazz. 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. Their debut CD "The Journey", released on their own label, Be A Light, topped the Billboard Jazz Chart at Number 8 in 2017 and a year later garnered 2 GRAMMY® Nominations for Best Jazz Vocal Album and Best Traditional R&B Performance. Two years later during one of the most challenging years in recent history, The Baylors released their single, “Sit On Down” in 2020 which earned a 3rd GRAMMY® Nomination for Best Traditional R&B Performance, solidifying The Baylor Project as an undeniable force. Their second album, “Generations,” will be released during Black Music Month and on the eve of Juneteenth, June 18th. This musical offering is a cultural anthology rooted in everyday life experiences that celebrate love, family, faith, and community. As you listen to The Baylor Project you will be taken on an eclectic musical journey that showcases as much versatility as it does virtuosity.

Jean, a “Jersey Girl”, was introduced to jazz in college as a Vocal Performance Major at Temple University, where she was heavily influenced by artists such as Carmen McCrae, Jimmy Scott, and Shirley Horn. She subsequently made her mark as one-half of the platinum recording duo, Zhane´. In time, Jean grew into a composer, arranger, producer and bandleader. She has been a featured guest artist on performances and recordings with artists including Yellowjackets, Kenny Garrett, Marcus Miller and legendary bassist, Buster Williams. Well-equipped with an agile mezzo-soprano range, Jean combines a fresh, whimsical approach to phrasing with clever improvisation resulting in singing of such vocal purity that she embraces the soul.

Marcus, a St. Louis native, is widely recognized as the former member and drummer of the GRAMMY® Award winning jazz quartet, Yellowjackets. While studying and graduating from The New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music, he performed and recorded with musical icons including Cassandra Wilson, John Scofield, and Kenny Garrett. Since then, Marcus has come into his own as a composer, arranger, producer and bandleader. With his natural feel, creative use of space and innovative ability to tell a story, his musicianship and improvisation are those of a seasoned musician.

Marcus and Jean’s combined musicianship is unmatched. Their dynamic performances are soulful to the bone. The Baylors will raise you up and inspire you to clap along with them, as they entice your ears with a swinging mid-tempo tune. Yet, at a moments’ notice, you may be moved to tears when they change the atmosphere with a spiritual song that will stir the emotions. They perform original compositions and new arrangements of classic pieces. They utilize sincerity and maturity far beyond their years to deliver ballads with storied grace and elegance, and grit. And what’s more is that Marcus and Jean have the uncanny ability to bridge the gap between generations. They are relatable, they are virtuosic, and for these reasons they captivate packed houses and sold out audiences.

The Baylor Project pays homage to their wide-ranging musical influences, and in doing so, generate an eclectic sound whose overall effect is spiritual, buoyant, feel good music.

Soulful. Melodic. Authentic. “The Baylor Project.”

Married musicians vocalist Jean Baylor and drummer Marcus Baylor have created a captivating “project” that meets at the 3-way intersection of Jazz, Gospel and Legacy. Brimming with aural snapshots of their individual roots and the sacred space where they come together, it is a very unique album that soothes the soul... -Urban Music Scene (by A. Scott Galloway)

This album contains no booklet.