The new album from vibraphonist and composer Jalen Baker is a stunning, archival endeavor.

Repaved is an ambitious and deeply personal work from vibraphonist and composer Jalen Baker, inspired by the rich cultural history of Houston's Third, Fourth, and Fifth Wards. As a fourth-generation resident of the Third Ward, Baker uses jazz as a powerful vehicle for preserving the stories, achievements, and ongoing legacy of communities facing rapid change through gentrification. Combining sophisticated composition with expressive improvisation, the album transforms local history into a compelling musical narrative that celebrates resilience, identity, and cultural memory.

Influenced by large-scale jazz works such as Wynton Marsalis' Black Codes (From the Underground) and Duke Ellington's Black, Brown and Beige, Baker creates music that both educates and inspires. His original compositions honor historical figures including Jack Yates and Barbara Jordan while reflecting upon the neighborhoods that shaped generations of Black Houstonians. The recording features an outstanding ensemble including Gabriel Godoy on bass, Gavin Moolchan on drums, Paul Cornish on piano, Alexandria DeWalt on flute, Tia Allen on viola, Reenat Pinchas on cello, and violinists Yoojin Park and Chiara Jamila, whose performances add remarkable color and emotional depth to Baker's vision.

Released by Cellar Live, Repaved is both a compelling contemporary jazz recording and an important artistic document, demonstrating how improvisation, composition, and storytelling can preserve history while encouraging listeners to become active participants in protecting the communities and cultures that shape our collective future.

Track Listing

• Antioch (The Beginning)
• John Henry
• Dowling/Emancipation
• Freedman
• City On The Water
• Kashmere
• Bemsha Blues
• Smile

Additional Details

Label: Cellar live

Genre: Jazz

Language: English

Run Time: 46:16 mins

Region: 0

Release Date: 09/04/26

UPC: 628308831814