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| The Baylor Project Signs to Maria Matias Music The Baylor Project, featuring vocalist Jean Baylor and drummer Marcus Baylor, is proud to announce that they have joined the highly-esteemed international booking agency Maria Matias Music. Founded in 2006, the Carmel, CA based agency represents an A-List roster of top acts including Grammy winners Gregory Porter, Kenny Garrett, and Carla Morrison as well as esteemed vocalist Avery Sunshine and Cuban all-star group ˇCubanismo!, among others. Joining the highly-regarded agency comes at the perfect time for The Baylor Project whose debut album "The Journey" topped the iTunes Jazz Charts and the Billboard Jazz Top Ten. Released on their own label Be A Light, "The Journey" has been winning critics' hearts since its release this past February having garnered positive reviews and press from All About Jazz, Soulbounce, Singer's Room, The Chicago Defender, Modern Drummer NDigo, Soul Tracks, Hot House and others. "We are excited to join the Maria Matias Music family. We look forward to fostering a strong relationship with a boutique agency that is passionate about representing great artists and creating new opportunities, " said The Baylor Project. Steeped in the heart and soul of jazz, The Baylor Project's highly anticipated collaboration showcases the grace and glory, versatility and virtuosity of a truly extraordinary musical union. 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. On "The Journey", listeners are taken on a comprehensive musical journey that showcases as much versatility as it does virtuosity. Jean, formerly known as one-half of the platinum selling duo Zhane´, has since been a featured guest artist in performances and recordings with Yellowjackets, Kenny Garrett, Marcus Miller and legendary bassist, Buster Williams. With her agile mezzo-soprano range, she combines a fresh, whimsical, approach to phrasing with clever musicality resulting in soul-hugging vocal purity. A three-time Grammy nominated world-class drummer for Yellowjackets, Marcus' creativity and innovative storytelling ability expose his seasoned improvisation and musicianship. Marcus has also performed and recorded with musical icons Cassandra Wilson, John Scofield, and Kenny Garrett. Their dynamic performances are soulful to the bone. This husband and wife duo 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 intended to stir the emotions. 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. "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. "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. In addition, The Baylor Project is managed by Gail Boyd of Gail Boyd Artist Management and promoted by Lydia Liebman of Lydia Liebman Promotions. Catch the Baylor Project this month at The Jazz Standard, in New York City, on Sunday, August 20th! Jean Baylor - vocals Marcus Baylor - drums Keith Loftis - tenor sax Terry Brewer - piano Ben Williams - bass write your comments about the article :: © 2017 Jazz News :: home page |