Jalen Baker has composed a new suite of music which is based on the happenings, culture, and importance of the Black communities of Houston’s 3rd, 4th, and 5th Wards.
The suite will be performed by a 9 piece ensemble that includes both The Jalen Baker Jazz Quintet and The Apollo Chamber Players String Quartet. The performance will reflect on events and people that helped to shape the cultural identity of the Black communities in these historic neighborhoods.
Jalen Baker- Vibraphone Paul Cornish- Piano
Chad Wesselkamper- Bass
Alexandria DeWalt- Flute Gavin Moolchan- Drums
Apollo Chamber Players String Quartet
Jalen Baker, born in Washington DC and raised in Houston, TX, is a vibraphonist and composer whose early training involved both classical and jazz. Jalen received his BA in Jazz Studies from Columbia College Chicago. He distinguished himself as a jazz vibraphonist and received several accolades including outstanding soloist at both the Notre Dame and Elmhurst Jazz Festivals.
Jalen was accepted as a Graduate Assistant in the Jazz Performance program at Florida State University and in 2019 received his MM in Jazz Studies. During his tenure at Florida State he was chosen as a Ravinia Jazz Fellow in 2018. He has been a performer with the Johnathan Blake Quintet, The Ulysses Owens Trio and Quartet, Jeremy Pelt Quintet, Tim Warfield Sextet, Michael Mwenso, Paul Cornish Group, Leon Anderson Quartet as well as leading his own band in venues all over the country. In 2021 Jalen released his Debut Album “This Is Me, This is Us” which was chosen as the #4 best Jazz Debut of 2021 and in 2023 released his second album “Be Still” that made it as high as #24 on the international jazz charts.
