DAVID BAILIS

TREE OF LIFE

Create or Destroy Records

David Bailis, guitar/composer; Chris Speed, tenor saxophone; Eric Lane, piano/synthesized bass; Jason Nazary, drums.

A tinkle of the upper register piano keys opens this album. Then pianist, Eric Lane, gives us a very classical introduction to a song called “Rays of Light.”  When the drums of Jason Nazary kick in, the piece turns into a smooth jazz production. Their bandleader, David Bailis, enters on guitar. He sets the tone for the remainder of this arrangement.  Chris Speed steps up on his tenor saxophone to explore the chord changes on this Bailis original tune and improvises creatively.

David Bailis has composed all five songs on this EP album called “Tree of Life.”  The title tune follows.  It has a very distinctive melodic pattern, but (for me) the arrangement lacks imagination. He interprets a song composed by the late Bobby Caldwell titled, “Open Your Eyes.” It features Bailis in the spotlight, playing solo guitar.  The quartet closes with “Is Eternal” (another original by Bailis) that incorporates fuzz into the guitar sound and explores a more soft-rock production. In fact, Bailis has worked with and recorded on Ropeadope records, producing a rock album with “3D D83.”

His music reflects that he has dabbled in a number of styles and musical genres, including ‘Hip Hop.’  This new album seems to combine many of his musical experiences, intertwining them inside his original compositions.

When the guitarist is not in the studio or performing, Bailis is a marathon runner and triathlete who coaches other athletes.  He has won many awards and medals for his track skills, and he’s quite serious about maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

* * * * * * * * * *

Subscribe to Our Newsletter