By: Dee Dee McNeil, Musical Memoirs
Chase Baird,saxophone/composer/producer; Antonio Sanchez, drums; Brad Mehldau,piano; Nir Felder,guitar; Dan Chmielinski,bass.
From the modern, contemporary art CD cover to the contemporary jazz music on disc, Chase Baird uses his composer credentials and saxophone talent to present “A Life Between.” The introduction to his tune, “Ripcord” sounds like rock music, but soon morphs into jazz. Baird admits in the liner notes, “I really want to be in Radiohead, but how can I be a saxophonist and do that?”
He has created an album of work that encompasses the challenges of facing New York City with young, musical dreams and working through tough times. He strived to cultivate romanticism inside himself during moments of serious doubt and with no gigs in sight. In between school and practice, He baked pies, washed dishes, detailed cars, and out of his struggle came compositions that are tinged with romance and friction; a place hoovering between love and work. Cut #2 is warmer, more melodic and a ballad with busy drums, played artistically by Antonio Sanchez, dancing beneath the tenderness. It’s a nice contrast affect with the trap drums pounding and busy, while Baird’s beautiful saxophone sounds tell a more tender story. Once again, we are caught in the in-between. “As You Are” is the title of the tune and is distinctively more Coltrane-ish. I enjoy Nir Felder’s smooth guitar solo. “Reactor” starts out sounding like an R&B tune, then quickly transforms with a horn line that moves the composition into funk jazz. The rhythm section conjures up an arrangement that reminds me of an American Indian celebration. Chase Baird knows how to combine cultures, styles and sounds in a delicious way. The sweet, staccato punch of the piano, the bass runs and the rhythm guitar create a trampoline of sound for Chase Baird’s horn to bounce upon. It’s not long before Nir Felder takes his guitar solo way outside ‘the box’ and heads for the stratosphere. Even as a graduate of Julliard, with his degree tucked into his sock drawer and printed on Baird’s impressive bio, it hasn’t been easy. From Utah roots, to gigs in Los Angeles, hungry dreams and repetitive insecurities led this musician East and to the outer limits of himself. The thing about music is you have to find your own path, rake it smooth and cement your own destiny in place.
“…just playing, interacting, opening up, stretching out, getting to that place. So, I wanted to write songs more as vehicles for group improvisation. Let the band get a vibe and take off. I like playing with people; where there’s some grit,” Chase Baird explains the concept of “A Life Between”.
“I want people I can go to war with. Having a balance is important. Dan (Chmielinski) brings a lighter energy as a human being. You kind of need someone who’s happy. You need someone who’s darker too; artistically darker. You need different ingredients that can breed tension. While planning this recording session, Dan said to me, why not call Brad? Brad had cut three tracks on one of Antonio’s records in 2015. I trust Antonio (Sanchez) and Brad was one of my heroes. I had played with Nir before. Nir was someone I always looked up to. He’s the whole package. We all rehearsed once, the day before this session.”
With his team in place, loaded and ready for battle, Chase Baird passed out his charts and took the giant step into a studio space. He challenged his horn, and his musical friends, to constellate a sparkling, musical dream. His compositions inspire, and together, they bring intangible determination and outstanding talent to push the boundaries of creativity and freedom.