Time to Connect Episode #56 - Jalen Baker - October 15, 2023

Thanks so much to Jalen Baker, Houston-based vibraphonist, percussionist, educator, and composer. Jalen started training and performing at an early age, in both the classical and jazz genres. He has been an active performer with The Ulysses Owens Jr, Jeremy Pelt, Michael Mwenso and The Shakes, Leon Anderson, Amina Scott quartets as well as leading his own band in venues in and around Georgia, Florida, Texas, and Chicago. As a band leader Jalen has also been awarded the prestigious South Arts Jazz Roads Touring Grant. He has been the featured artist with various organizations such as the Savannah Jazz Orchestra, Houston’s Da Camera, Miami’s WDNA Jazz Hour, Modern Marimba and Live Music Movement Houston. Since 2021 Jalen has released two albums This is Me, This is Us, on Outside In Music in June of 2021 and his new album, Be Still, on Cellar Live in July of 2023, both of which which has garnered recognition by various jazz blogs and magazines such as Textura, Making a Scene, Jazziz, and Downbeat. I recently saw a performance by his terrific quartet, consisting of Paul Cornish, Gabriel Godoy, and Gavin Moolchan. I was very impressed, to say the least. Catch them live if you can.
In this conversation we talk about Jalen’s youth in Houston, his mentors and major influences, switching from drums to the vibes, his association and upcoming gigs with Johnathan Blake, favorite venues, his new record, what he’s listening to these days, and much more. Thanks again to Jalen Baker for a great conversation.
Check out Jalen and learn more here: jalenbakermusi...
Time to Connect theme music (“So Long”) by Krajicek & Shafer, from the album Blue Midwestern Dream (Borderline Social Club).