Underground
Jazz
| Dec 2011
Reviews
Fo
Reviewed 2011-12-10
Reviewed 2011-12-10
MATT BAKER: Underground
self-released, 2011
MODERN JAZZ – Debut release from an Australian pianist, now based in New York and joined by a solid band, including Bay Area saxophonist Dayna Stephens. Baker has a tender, longing touch at the keys and an elusively moody postbop style that often sits midway between hard swing and ballad, with a bittersweet, soulful air. Gregory Hutchinson really stands out on drums; everybody feeds off his energy.
Fo’s Picks: 2, 3, 4
1. 3:12 – trio: modernized standard, elastic piano against steady uptempo beat
2. 10:27 – urban night: bustling theme, ballad-like solos, dissonant peak
3. 7:16 – trio standard in odd meter: light, loping feel, piano solo stretches out
4. 9:52 – tough/tender stride; prodding trumpet, muttering sax, angular piano
5. 9:48 – hushed trio ballad, all gentle curves, piano reaches for the horizon
6. 7:14 – gentle and soulful with Fender Rhodes and introspective sax
7. 5:01 – solo piano, a calm stroll
8. 7:31 – catchy, subdued melody: piano treads carefully, sax adds vigor
[ Fo ] - December 2011
self-released, 2011
MODERN JAZZ – Debut release from an Australian pianist, now based in New York and joined by a solid band, including Bay Area saxophonist Dayna Stephens. Baker has a tender, longing touch at the keys and an elusively moody postbop style that often sits midway between hard swing and ballad, with a bittersweet, soulful air. Gregory Hutchinson really stands out on drums; everybody feeds off his energy.
Fo’s Picks: 2, 3, 4
1. 3:12 – trio: modernized standard, elastic piano against steady uptempo beat
2. 10:27 – urban night: bustling theme, ballad-like solos, dissonant peak
3. 7:16 – trio standard in odd meter: light, loping feel, piano solo stretches out
4. 9:52 – tough/tender stride; prodding trumpet, muttering sax, angular piano
5. 9:48 – hushed trio ballad, all gentle curves, piano reaches for the horizon
6. 7:14 – gentle and soulful with Fender Rhodes and introspective sax
7. 5:01 – solo piano, a calm stroll
8. 7:31 – catchy, subdued melody: piano treads carefully, sax adds vigor
[ Fo ] - December 2011
Recent airplay
Mood Indigo
No Cover, No Minimum — Oct 20, 2016
Underground
No Cover, No Minimum — Nov 15, 2013
Mood Indigo
No Cover, No Minimum — Dec 28, 2012
Underground
No Cover, No Minimum — Aug 10, 2012
Refuge
No Cover, No Minimum — Feb 10, 2012
Underground
Rebop — Feb 07, 2012
Charting
2011-12-18 — 2012-02-19
Jazz
| Week Ending | Airplays |
|---|---|
| Feb 12 | 2 |
| Feb 5 | 2 |
| Jan 29 | 1 |
| Jan 22 | 2 |
| Jan 15 | 2 |
| Jan 8 | 2 |
| Jan 1 | 1 |
Track listing
| 1. | If I Were A Bell | ||
| 2. | Underground | ||
| 3. | Mood Indigo | ||
| 4. | Refuge | ||
| 5. | Central Park North | ||
| 6. | Island Of Many Hills | ||
| 7. | The Gypsy | ||
| 8. | Away |