"Evolution"

They say that “Jazz isn’t popular anymore.” 

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On the contrary, jazz has always been popular music.

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In fact, if you consider that a large portion of what we today consider “jazz standards” are merely songs that were popular at the time in which they were released. In that sense, jazz is full of popular music. 

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This is the inspiration for Evolution, the latest project by David Baron Stevens (DBS), in which songs that have been known as “popular” in their era are reinterpreted with modern influences and presented for the audience of today. 

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If each generation has the responsibility to contribute new titles into the jazz canon, what will our generation contribute for those who come to reinterpret?

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Evolution is a collection that explores how popular music has influenced the jazz repertoire since the 1930s until today and pushes the boundaries of what can be considered jazz by presenting modern melodies in the jazz idiom. It also endeavors to establish, into the jazz canon, songs that may have previously not been considered jazz or worthy of reinterpretation by jazz artists. 

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The first set presents popular classic jazz standards in modern funk and hip hop-influenced arrangements. The second set recalls neo soul, popular music of the 1990s that was very influential to a young DBS. The third set organically follows the path laid by jazz and soul music to funk and hip hop. The link between 1970s funk and 1990s “West Coast” hip hop is well-established, and its legacy is continued through neo soul and modern artists like Mac Miller.. 

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Evolution reminds us that jazz is above genre. Jazz is an approach. It is melody-improvisation-melody. This approach can be applied to any music of any origin and still be considered jazz. 

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May we be honored enough to create the kind of music which deserves entry into the esteemed jazz canon. Maybe one day our songs will be in someone's Real Book.

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Classic Jazz

• “Summertime” (George Gershwin, 1933), arranged by Stefon Harris

• “Watermelon Man” (Herbie Hancock, 1962), arranged by The Headhunters

• “Footprints” (Wayne Shorter, 1966), arranged by Terrence Blanchard

• “Happy People” (Kenny Garrett, 2002)

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Soul Music

• “Georgia On My Mind” (Hoagie Carmichael, 1930), arranged by Gerald Albright

• “At Your Best” (The Eisley Brothers, 1976), Aaliyah version 1994

• “Brown Sugar” (D’Angelo, 1995)

• “On and On” (Erkyah Badu, 1997)

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Hip Hop and Beyond

• “You Got Me” (The Roots/Erykah Badu, 1999)

• “Mary Jane” (Rick James, 1978)

• “Ain’t Nuthin’ But a G Thang” (Dr. Dre, 1992)

• “We Want The Funk” (Parliament, 1975)

• “Tadow” (FKG/Masego, 2017)

• “What’s The Use (Mac Miller, 2018)

• “American Boy” (Estelle/Will.I.Am, 2008), arranged by David Baron Stevens

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Personnel:
David Baron Stevens, Saxophone
Amedeo Mignano, Keyboards
Luca La Russa, Bass
Manfredi Crocivera, Drums