Andrew Baham
New Orleans, Louisiana, United States | INDIE
Music
Press
When not playing the onstage and studio foil of Sammie Williams in Big Sam’s Funky Nation, trumpeter Andrew Baham has demonstrated his jazz and composing chops in the Next Generation, a terrific band dedicated to playing modern New Orleans jazz. His third record as a leader, …And They Called It Love, stands confidently in that tradition and moves it forward. His compositions on this fine disc jump right out from the piano riff that pushes the opening cut “Simple Attraction” into a searching jazz song that mixes ’70s McCoy Tyner with the propulsive drumming energy of James Black as done by drummer Joe Dyson. Baham’s solo here has great rhythmic drive and takes a couple of harmonic chances as the song ebbs before coming back to Jesse McBride’s ace piano riff. “Park Walk” has a constant, slightly Latin beat that keeps the song relaxed for good solos from both Baham and saxophonist Aaron Fletcher before they play off each other skillfully to end the tune. The second half of the record is the band’s interpretations of two Harold Battiste songs (“All Alone” and “Falling In Love”) and one of Clyde Kerr, Jr.’s (“Treme”). “All Alone” has Baham playing with a rounder tone that is a fine fit for this jazz waltz. “Falling In Love” is a graceful ballad with sensitive playing from the entire ensemble. “Treme” has a parade beat that one would expect with the title and a pretty melody that both the horns harmonize on. In all, …And They Call It Love showcases a tight and mutually sympathetic band with Baham’s playing and compositions clearly and passionately in the lead. - OffBeat Magazine
"It's interesting that trumpeter Andrew Baham opens this album with the disc's only non-original tune. Turning to Bobby Watson's bright "Fuller Love", however, was indeed a smart move. Performed by a host of New Orleans, well, yeah, young lions- saxists Aaron Fletcher and Samir Zarif, guitarist Jesse Lewis, pianists Brian Coogan (also Jesse McBride on one cut), bassist Nori Naraoka and drummer James Alsanders- the song immediately perks up the ears. Changing the pace, Baham offers his own moody ballad "Better To Have Loved And Lost" that shows off both his technical and emotional capabilities. For sheer burn power the aptly named original "Aggressive-Progressive" gets a thumbs-up. Coogan pounds the piano while Baham blows courageously. Later the pianist reinvents the tune to his own liking, tearing it down then constructing it once again. As on most of the tunes, each of the musicians gets a chance to state their cases. With his wise ensemble work and syncopated solo here, Alsanders, who has since moved away to attend Berklee College Of Music, makes us miss his presence on the scene. Great compatibility is heard in the way these musicians, particularly the trumpeter and saxophonists, move around and weave their instruments around each other. Lewis' tasty guitar finds simply yet solid backing from Naraoka to open another rapid-fire composition "Bleek." Baham introduces himself as a trumpeter and composer in fine style on his debut CD. At the same time we have the opportunity to get better acquainted with his musical friends."
- Geraldine Wycoff
Discography
As A Leader
"Introducing...Andrew Baham" (2003)
"From Whence We Came" (2010)
"... And They Called It Love" (2012)
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Bio
From the soulfulness that he displays in his ballads, to the aggressive nature of the burn-out, Andrew Baham is determined to become a major force in the music industry. He began playing the trumpet at age 11, inspired by the discipline and appeal of the marching bands in New Orleans. From that time on, Andrew's love for music grew stronger . While in junior high, he would arrange music for the band, earning respect and accolade from his fellow band members.
At age 13, Baham attended The New Orleans Center for Creative Arts (commonly referred to as NOCCA), an arts high school in New Orleans that has a long list of acclaimed alumni. At NOCCA, Andrew received lessons from Ronald Benko (of the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra), renowned trumpeter and educator Clyde Kerr, Jr., and Grammy Award Winner Nicholas Payton. In 1998, he received an endorsed trumpet from the Yamaha Corporation of America and became the first recipient of the Doc Cheatham Memorial Scholarship.
Baham has performed with artists Mystikal, Mannie Fresh, Grammy Nominee Los Hombres Calientes, Adonis Rose, and The Ellis Marsalis Quinet. He has production credits with The Stooges Brass Band's "It's About Time", Big Sam's Funky Nation' "King Of The Party", and others.
He has recorded with alto saxophonist Darryl Reeves, The Original Tuxedo Jazz Band, the Soul Rebels Brass Band, The Stooges Brass Band and countless others. Baham has also made appearances in the movie " Ray", starring Jamie Foxx, and HBO series "Treme". When he's not performing with funk powerhouse Big Sam's Funky Nation, Baham leads his own quintet performing music from his newest release as a leader, "And They Called It Love".
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