CD Review of The Wade Baker Jazz Collaboration

On October 17th, Cincinnati Jazz Trumpeter Wade Baker officially released his first CD from the group of his namesake, The Wade Baker Jazz Collaboration. The CD was recorded live at The Redmoor, and showcases the work of Wade on Trumpet, Ben Walkenhauer on Tenor, Brandon Meeks on Bass, Andrew Tooms on Piano, and Anthony “T” Lee on Drums. The CD predominantly consists of Wade’s original compositions. The craft and sequence of the tunes meticulously demonstrate the capabilities of every musician.

Leading off is “I Can Explain”, a lively, upbeat number with a very established rhythm section foundation. Wade and Ben come in with a very tight, “peas & carrots” melody, followed by a punctuated, yet flowing solo pattern by Andrew on piano. Ben’s solo on tenor is an improvisation of sedate and coolness. The tune comes full-circle with Wade and Ben returning to the duo melody.

The fluid and romanticized “Ciao Bella” brings to mind a late-night date in the city.  Andrew’s piano back rhythm compliments Wade’s solo; almost arm-in-arm as you would escort your date through the city streets, from dinner to the night club. Andrew enters his solo in a playful manner, similar to sweet-talking your date into having another drink, with a smile and a wink. Wade and Ben bring it home in an intoxicating melody, akin to returning home with your date, taking the evening to “another level”.

Wade’s arrangement of “Body and Soul” almost seems as the continuation of the date, now at home. He opens with a very seductive melody, followed by Ben’s tenor. The sound of the rhythm section is very low and delicate, with smooth snare brushes and light brush cymbal taps. Brandon’s bass solo is alluring, proving that soft and smoothness can also command attention. Ben closes this sensual number with a flow that just melts the heart (and the date).

“Another Day in Clifton” is the longest number on the CD, and worth every second, as Anthony and Brandon carry a suspenseful pattern. Wade and Ben enter with a rhythm containing faint traces of blues. Wade’s solo causes the tune to launch into a driving, motivated tempo. About halfway through, the rhythm section carries the number for a stretch of time with a propelling improvisation from Andrew, combined with the walking pattern of Brandon’s bass. Then Brandon cuts into this intense, rapid-fire solo consisting of high notes, followed by Andrew joining in using a “call and response” dialog with Brandon. This number is a true example of the harnessed synergy of the group.

The 2/4-time of Roy Hargrove’s “Liquid Streets” opens with an organ, with Wade and Ben coming in on melody in a lazy, “morning cup of coffee” tempo. Anthony’s steady and moderate rim hits are visible and key to the transition from “morning cup of coffee” to “taking a shower & starting the day”. The feel of this transition was solidified with Andrew’s entrance on piano, followed by Wade’s “caffeine starting to kick in” solo. Wade’s solo takes an interesting shift near the end, returning the song to that “morning cup of coffee” tempo - as if one drowsily wakes up to make coffee, takes a brisk shower, puts on their clothes, then lays back down. Some days its best to just stay inside and chill.

The CD closes with “Blues for Buselli”, as Anthony provides a snare lead in, followed by Andrew on keys, then Wade and Ben giving an almost “New Orleans old-jazz” feel. The number contains a very upbeat, feel-good, and swinging tempo. The transition of solos between Wade, Ben, Andrew, and Brandon are very well-maintained. Then Anthony rips into a jaw-dropping snare solo that grows in intensity as his cymbals and bass join in the fun.

The Wade Baker Jazz Collaboration CD is an embodiment of diversity, skill, romance, and fun. This is only possible by way of the talent and cultivated chemistry between these musicians, in collaboration; possessing that intangible element known for carrying groups to the next stratosphere.

This CD is highly recommended, and Wade Baker is to be congratulated for his hard work in a successful debut release.