Called “…one of the best male vocalists in the jazz world today,” by WCLK in Atlanta, Jeff Baker has quickly become one of the most significant new talents in vocal jazz. His diverse musical recordings, exciting live performances, and infectious energy and personality have gained him accolades from critics and listeners alike. A graduate of Willamette University (Salem, OR) Jeff has become sought after not only as a performer, but also for his significant abilities as a music educator. He was the featured clinician at the OMEA District VII jazz Festival in 2001, and a featured performer and clinician for the Boise State University Vocal jazz Festival in 2004. In 2002 Baker was among the artists featured at the Gene Harris Jazz Festival (Boise, ID), as well s an opening spot for GRAMMY nominee Alan Vizzuti at Jazz in the Canyon (Twin Falls, ID).
In 2003, Baker’s first recording on Origin Records/OA2 Records entitled “Baker Sings Chet” charted on the Jazzweek International Top 50, and was played on over 100 stations nationally, including place in the Top 5 on NPR’s syndicated program “Jazz Works”. Prompted by the success of “Baker Sings Chet”, Baker opened for jazz legend Dave Frishberg, and made his international debut at the “Green Dolphin” jazz club in Cape Town, South Africa. In addition, in 2004 Jeff enjoyed performance engagements at Catalina’s jazz club (Hollywood, CA) and the Triple Door Showroom (Seattle, WA).
2005 was an even better year for Jeff. His second OA2 release “Monologue” charted on the Jazzweek International Top 50 and debuted ahead of jazz legend Wynton Marsalis. “Monologue”, like its predecessor “Baker Sings Chet” was played on more than 100 radio stations and was #1 in markets like Atlanta and Chicago. After the release of “Monologue” Baker enjoyed performances at Jimmy Mak’s (Portland, OR), as well as concerts throughout the Northwest. 2005 was topped off with the placement of “Monologue” on the first ballot of the 48th Annual GRAMMY awards in three categories including “Best Vocal Jazz Recording”.
In 2006 there were even more opportunities for Jeff to showcase his many talents, with repeat concert engagements at “Jazz in the Canyon” (Twin Falls, ID), the Simplot Center for Performing Arts (Boise, ID), and a headlining performance at “Jazz in the Grove” (Bay Springs, MS). Other artists featured at “Jazz in the Grove were jazz luminaries Mose Allison and the Yellowjackets. October 2006 found Baker returning to the recording studio to begin work on two releases for 2007.
The first, entitled “Shopping for Your Heart” showcases the energy and spontaneity of Bakers’ diverse musical tastes. “Shopping for Your Heart” features GRAMMY nominated musicians Bill Anschell, John Bishop, Jeff Johnson, and saxophonist Brent Jensen. This group will debut the recording with a CD release tour in early February, and 2007 performance dates that includes the Jazz Times Portland Jazz Festival, the Gene Harris Jazz Festival, the Boise State Vocal Jazz Festival, Jazz in the Canyon, and the Ballard Jazz Festival (Seattle, WA).
"Shopping for Your Heart" has made the first ballot for the 2008 GRAMMY Awards. Categories include Best Vocal Jazz Album and Best Arrangement of “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow”. This is the second time Jeff has received this industry recognition, his 2005 release, “Monologue” was also listed in the first round for the 2006 GRAMMY Awards.
REAL. JAZZ. COOL
