Structures, by Joel Baer Quartet

Structures

by Joel Baer Quartet

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john_cruz Beautiful album with fantastic arrangements, one of the best bargains on Bandcamp Favorite track: Persephone's Dream.

Alannah G I won't claim to be an expert on jazz - semi-informed enthusiast at best - but damn if this isn't some great jazz. Somehow while listening you get the sense this music is both 50 years old and brand new. That, to me, is the sign of a classic.. Favorite track: Persephone's Dream.

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Streaming + Download

Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.

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$7 USD or more
Compact Disc (CD) + Digital Album

The Joel Baer Quartet's debut album with artwork by Shana Fiduccia. Includes "Black Hole Sun" as a bonus track, which is not on the vinyl release.

Includes unlimited streaming of Structures via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.

ships out within 7 days

$10 USD or more
Full Digital Discography

Get all 3 Joel Baer releases available on Bandcamp and save 20%.

Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality downloads of The Blueshift Big Band, Transit, and Structures. , and , .

Purchasable with gift card

$19.20 USD or more (20% OFF)
Structures - Random Colored 12" Vinyl
Record/Vinyl + Digital Album
The third pressing of this album from Gotta Groove features several different colors. As always, artwork by Shana Fiduccia.

Includes unlimited streaming of Structures via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.

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1.	Stanley's March 05:37	buy track
2.	Persephone's Dream 08:00	buy track
3.	Saturday and Sunday 09:08	buy track
4.	N.Y. Rush 05:56	buy track
5.	If I Should Lose You 05:24	buy track
6.	Matte Kudesai 11:17	buy track

about

The first album from the Joel Baer Quartet features a combination of original compositions and exciting arrangements of tunes across genres.

Listed as one of Modern Drummer magazine's "Drummer-led releases to check out" in the April 2018 issue.

Chicago Jazz Magazine Review (March 2018):

Chicago based drummer Joel Baer has assembled a dynamic group for his debut release, the captivating Structures. The vibrant music consistently engages as it shifts from darkly intriguing to languid and expansive, all the while maintaining a restlessly inventive edge and a definite melodic sense. Each of the seven pieces has its own singular flavor, yet all fit cohesively within the album’s overall concept.

The exotic and mystical “Persephone’s Dream” opens with saxophonist Natalie Lande and guitarist Kenny Thompson’s resonant and melancholic duet. The shimmering lines meander among Baer’s percolating rumble and bassist Conor Roe’s thumping reverberations. Lande solos with agility and lyricism, while Thompson plays chords that are intelligently angular and passionately emotive. After Baer’s visceral and thundering beats, collective poetic refrains conclude the tune. Lande showcases her virtuosity with a fast-paced and lithe improvisation on The Seatbelts’ effervescent “N.Y. Rush.” Thompson lets loose crisp and muscular phrase as Baer’s thrilling polyrhythms usher in a delightfully chaotic ensemble performance that is evocative of a rush hour melee. In contrast, starting with Thompson’s wistful strums, the bonus CD track, Soundgarden’s “Black Hole Sun” is languid and lyrical. Roe makes his instrument sashay as he joins Thompson and Baer for warm rhythmic refrains. Over these undulating vamps, Lande blows her tender and breathy tenor with just a hint of vibrato.

Elsewhere, King Crimson’s introspective “Matte Kudesai” opens with Baer’s expectant percussion and
rustling cymbals and Roe’s simmering earthy tones. Lande contributes sparse and contemplative notes to haunting effect, while Thompson’s guitar echoes against the resounding backdrop. Each of the quartet members overlap their individual spontaneous expressions and create an ethereal and moving ambience. Baer and his collaborators, all young, up-and- coming artists on the Chicago scene, have recorded an impressive first work that crackles with creative energy. Hopefully more will come from this talented and exciting foursome.

(Review by Hrayr Attarian, Chicago Jazz Magazine)

credits

released September 22, 2017

Joel Baer - Drums, Composer, Arrangements
Natalie Lande - Saxophones
Kenny Thompson - Electric Guitar
Conor Roe - Bass

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Joel Baer Chicago, Illinois

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