DAVID BAILIS

RUNNING THROUGH MY MIND

Create or Destroy Records

David Bailis, guitar/composer; Caroline Davis, alto saxophone; Andrew Links, piano/keyboards; Jordan Scannella, bass; Kenneth Salters, drums.

David Bailis has stayed busy being a session musician.  He adds his guitar comfortably on several genres of music, from hip hop to funk: from jazz to pop. Consequently, for this project featuring his composition skills and his guitar playing, he introduces his own original style of modern jazz music.  As a leader, he has experienced success with his first three solo albums.

This album is his fourth release and a follow up to his 2024 album release called “Tree of Life.”   On this newly released project, Bailis leads a quintet that features the alto saxophone of Caroline Davis.  They open with Kenneth Salters laying down a funk groove on the drums and Caroline’s saxophone floating on top, establishing the melody of “Ordinary Trash” with David Bailis’s electric guitar sounding whimsical and imaginative.

The title of this album, “Running Through My Mind” reflects the guitarist’s love of running.  Track #2 is called “Angles.”  It’s a peaceful arrangement with a smooth jazz feel.  The David Bailis style of playing his guitar often reminds me of the way a flute player might phrase.

Currently based in Brooklyn, New York, (a hub for experimental and independent artists), Bailis is originally from Boston, MA.  He graduated Berklee College of Music and was a member of the electro funk band, “Pimps of Joytime” that included Sierra Leone’s hip hop superstar, Bajah & the Dry Eye Crew.  This current album returns Bailis to his deep jazz roots.

I enjoyed his original composition called “Telepathy” that allows Bailis to explore his guitar techniques and improvise widely.  The keyboard of Andrew Links adds the tinkle of his upper register, and lends an expression of space, stars, and a feel of other-worldliness. Kenneth Salters’ drums press the arrangement forward with power and spunk.

When David Bailis isn’t on-stage or in the recording studio, he is a marathon runner, a triathlete and a coach who has won many awards and medals for running track.  He’s a big believer in maintaining a healthy lifestyle and employs these beliefs when traveling on the road or at home.

“The title of my album is a nod to my musical ideas and my love of running, representing discipline, freedom, daily practice, dedication, exploration, seeking and purpose,” David says in his press package.

That pretty much sums up this musical project.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

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