Jazz Is Not Dead

In an effort to start a new revolution in Cincinnati jazz scene and beyond, Wade Baker formed the Wade Baker Jazz Project in 2009 with the goal to play an eclectic fusion of jazz, hip-hop, funk, and groove music, while keeping the integrity and spirit of the traditions of the jazz masters the band respects so much. Baker‘s objective is to continue the growth and development of jazz music as well as make it a more accessible vehicle for younger generations to love and appreciate this truly American music.
Most of the tunes WBJP play live are original compositions or compositions by band members or their friends. Thus making the listener’s experience truly exclusive. But in addition to playing original music, the band also sprinkles in standard jazz repertoire with their own modern arrangements.
Baker graduated from the University of Indianapolis with a concentration in Jazz Studies and got his Masters in Music in Jazz Studies from Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music.
Since forming in 2009, WBJP has played more than 200 shows per year and at some of the nation’s most prestigious music establishments and festivals. This Saturday, May 31 WBJP will take the stage of Fiery Ron’s Home Team BBQ in West Ashley.
Like Baker, the members of WBJP are highly skilled musicians who absolutely love entertaining audiences, from huge festivals and esteemed concert halls to Community Arts Centers, libraries, and even nursing/assisted living facilities.
In addition to a heavy performance schedule, Baker says he’s proud to be a part of continuing jazz education through Cincinnati’s Big Joe Duskin Foundation, which reaches out to elementary aged children and brings live jazz directly to them in their schools as well as being an active clinician and private brass instructor to colleges, high schools, and Middle Schools across the nation. The WBJP is the official live music provider for the Kroger Corporation, playing nearly every Grand Opening for the grocery giant in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana.
WBJP has two independent releases, one live and one studio album. The group currently has two more live albums in the post-production stage of the projects: 2012’s Live at the Chatterbox (Indianapolis) and 2013’s Live at Andy’s Jazz Club (Chicago). Both pending projects are scheduled to be released in 2014.
On Saturday, May 31 Wade Baker Jazz Project will play Home Team BBQ at 1205 Ashley River Road. For more information call (843) 225-7427 or visit www.hometeambbq.com.