A husband. A wife. An astonishing duo built on love, family, faith, culture and community. These things power The Baylor Project featuring Jean Baylor and Marcus Baylor.
This enticing collaboration is steeped in the heart and soul of jazz. Furthermore, Marcus’ and Jean’s musical roots were planted deep within the church: both are the children of pastors. There, the influence of jazz, gospel, blues and soul made its mark on the young artists. In 2017, their debut CD The Journey reached Number Eight on the Billboard Jazz Chart. Then, the album garnered two 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”. Here, this earned them a third Grammy nomination, solidifying The Baylor Project as an undeniable force. Additionally, their second album, 2021’s Generations, earned the duo its first NAACP Image Award and its fourth Grammy nomination.
Their first live album, The Evening: Live at APPARATUS garnered The Baylors two more Grammy nominations. A collaboration with Adam Blackstone and Russell Ferrante earned them a seventh Grammy nomination for the original song “Vulnerable (Live)”. Also, this song appears on the live recording Legacy: The Instrumental Jawn.
Most recently, The Baylor Project received their eighth Grammy nomination. Here, they recorded an impromptu live, in-studio performance of the age-old spiritual “Walk With Me, Lord.”
The Baylor Project pays homage to their wide-ranging musical influences. In doing so, they generate an eclectic sound whose overall effect is spiritual, buoyant, feel-good music.
Soulful. Melodic. Authentic. The Baylor Project.
Recommended for fans of Jazzmeia Horn, Jamison Ross, Ravi Coltrane and Matthew Whitaker.
📸: Matthew Placek
