New From David Bailis, Running Through My Mind

Bailis talks to JGT’s Joe Barth about his fourth release, Running Through My Mind.

Bailis leads a quintet also featuring altoist Caroline Davis, keyboardist Andrew Links, bassist Jordan Scannella, and drummer Kenneth Salters. While Bailis is often in the lead and there are individual solos, one of the most memorable aspects to this release is the very individual group sound which has the five musicians blending together in the electric ensemble as one.

Running Through My Mind, a title that pays tribute to David Bailis’ love of running, features six of his originals plus a song apiece by Stevie Wonder and Donnie Hathaway. “Ordinary Trash” has the group creating a colorful soundscape and makes it obvious from the start that Bailis has his own sound on guitar. “Angles” is a peaceful exploration with soothing playing from the musicians. In addition to the fluent guitar playing, “Telepathy” has keyboardist Links playing some ideas in his upper register that give the music an otherworldly feel. “Star Sign” is conversational and a bit whimsical (almost as if Bailis is speaking directly to the listener), “Zenith” is a charming jazz waltz and the colorful “Comet” is often stormy. In addition, Bailis performs tasteful solo guitar renditions of Stevie Wonder’s “Joy Inside My Tears” and Donnie Hathaway’s “Jealous Guy.”

INTERVIEW WITH JOE BARTH

Even as an accomplished guitarist, David Bailis is a man of many interests.  He is a passionate runner, having competed in numerous races, collecting many awards and medals.  He is also passionate about nutritious entrees and preparing healthy plant-based foods.  David is a New York-based guitarist who has toured and performed all over, but now focuses more on local concerts so he can be close to his children. He has just released a new album, Running Through My Mind.

JB:  You released Tree of Life a year ago.  Other than the new compositions you have written, what were your musical goals in recording the new album?

DB:  I am constantly striving to reach new areas in my compositions, be it sonically, texturally, or in terms of style or vibe. It’s almost like a shedding of sorts where I keep getting closer to the core of expression through the continual process of writing (and performing/recording the music). I feel the music on Running Through My Mind represents a big step forward for me compositionally. Refining what I am seeking to create, as John Coltrane calls “Cleaning the mirror.”

JB:  The new album, Running Through My Mind, was recorded with new songs you’ve written. I can’t ask you about every new song, but I would like you to reflect on a couple of the six new songs for this recording. 

DB:  The song entitled “Ordinary Trash” is funny because it was a phrase that my little son came up with in a viral video on the Instagram channel “Recess Therapy’ when describing artwork that lacks emotion. The video is worth checking out! The works come from a five-year-old, yet are pretty profound when you think about it.

JB:  One of the covers on the album is Stevie Wonder’s “Joy Inside My Tears.”  What drew you to this song, and why do it as a solo guitar arrangement?

DB:  This is such a beautiful tune, not one of Stevie’s most famous, but it still has some of his signature harmonic movement, which drew me to creating the arrangement for the record. I love solo guitar and how it reflects such different and personal sides of a player. Ted Greene is one of my guitar heroes, and the solo pieces on the album are a way that I pay homage to his influence and brilliance. 

JB:  Another solo guitar setting is “Jealous Guy” which you attribute to Donny Hathaway, but it is a John Lennon composition Donny was covering.  Why close the album with this selection? 

DB:  Its true! I love the original Lennon version, which I remember digging when I was young, but when I heard the Donny Hathaway cover it completely changed my love for the song. The groove the band plays, the simple harmonic changes he made to give it the ‘Donny feel’ were perfect, and then his vocal phrasing just made it The Version, for me. 

JB:  Bassist Jordan Scannelia and drummer Kenneth Salters are a wonderful rhythm section.  What do you appreciate about them as musicians?

DB:  I am so thankful to have these guys at my side! Both of them know how to be the perfect support pillars, all the while adding their unique levels of musicality. There was no rehearsal, so there is really raw exploration in these recordings. I am a believer that if you put the right people in the room, it’s best to not overthink it and let them do their thing. That was certainly the case with all the musicians on this album.

JB:  What do you appreciate most about what saxophonist Caroline Davis and pianist Andrew Links bring to the combo?

DB:  Caroline’s career and work speak for themselves. She is constantly doing amazing things that are cutting edge and pushing the boundaries of creativity. Collaborating with her and hearing her approach to the canvas of my compositions was inspiring!

Andrew Links is a true wild card! And I mean that in the best sense. He is an extremely creative individual. He can go off with synths and create layers and textures that you wouldn’t imagine possible and then sit at the grand piano and play virtuosic and beautiful. A really rare and super cool combination.

JB:  Anything new with your group, Walk Talk?

DB:  Walk Talk is on a bit of a hiatus due to so much other stuff going on, but we will be back. There is new recorded music, so stay tuned! 

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