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)

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