Jalen Baker’s RePaved Preserves Houston History Through JazzArtist Spotlight • Houston Jazz • New Release
Houston vibraphonist and composer Jalen Baker has released RePaved, an eight-part suite that celebrates and preserves the legacy of Houston’s historic Black neighborhoods while confronting the cultural loss that can accompany gentrification. The album was released September 4, 2026, via Cellar Music Group.
For the Live Music Movement Foundation, RePaved is more than a new jazz release. It is an example of how musicians can serve as storytellers and historians—using sound to preserve a community’s memory and invite new audiences to understand the people and places that shaped a city. |
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A Fourth-Generation Connection to Houston’s 3rd Ward
Baker is a fourth-generation resident of Houston’s 3rd Ward. As he watched the historic 3rd, 4th and 5th Wards change rapidly, he became increasingly interested in researching their history. That research became the foundation for RePaved—his musical response to the possibility that the history of these neighborhoods could be erased along with their physical landmarks.
Baker describes the project as a way to preserve and educate listeners about history that is deeply personal to him. His approach follows a long jazz tradition of extended compositions and suites, with influences including Duke Ellington, Billy Childs and Wynton Marsalis.
Baker describes the project as a way to preserve and educate listeners about history that is deeply personal to him. His approach follows a long jazz tradition of extended compositions and suites, with influences including Duke Ellington, Billy Childs and Wynton Marsalis.
Houston Stories Become Music
Each composition connects to a place, event or part of Houston’s story. The opening track, “Antioch,”, takes its name from the historic Black Baptist church associated with John Henry “Jack” Yates and the period following emancipation in Texas. Baker uses overlapping melodies and an energetic performance to evoke both struggle and the beauty of what formerly enslaved people built in freedom.
On “Dowling/Emancipation,” Baker responds to the renaming of Dowling Street to Emancipation Avenue. For him, the change represented reclaiming something that belonged to the Black residents of 3rd Ward. The result is an upbeat, dance-oriented composition rooted in history and celebration.
The ballad “City on the Water” turns toward another part of Houston’s identity: resilience. Inspired by events such as Hurricane Harvey, the piece is shaped by the string section and features a lyrical flute solo by Alexandria DeWalt.
On “Dowling/Emancipation,” Baker responds to the renaming of Dowling Street to Emancipation Avenue. For him, the change represented reclaiming something that belonged to the Black residents of 3rd Ward. The result is an upbeat, dance-oriented composition rooted in history and celebration.
The ballad “City on the Water” turns toward another part of Houston’s identity: resilience. Inspired by events such as Hurricane Harvey, the piece is shaped by the string section and features a lyrical flute solo by Alexandria DeWalt.
A Rich Musical Palette
The album brings together a jazz quintet and string quartet, an instrumentation Baker says creates layers and a dynamic listening experience. His core group includes Baker on vibraphone, Alexandria DeWalt on flute, Paul Cornish on piano, Gabriel Godoy on bass and Gavin Moolchan on drums. The string quartet features Yoojin Park and Chiara Jamila on violin, Tia Allen on viola and Reenat Pinchas on cello.
The collaboration is also personal. Baker has recorded three albums with the same core group, and many of the musicians share Houston connections. Their interest in the history behind the compositions helped shape the music as more than performance—it became a collective act of remembrance.
The collaboration is also personal. Baker has recorded three albums with the same core group, and many of the musicians share Houston connections. Their interest in the history behind the compositions helped shape the music as more than performance—it became a collective act of remembrance.
Why RePaved Matters to LMMF
The Live Music Movement Foundation exists to support artists and strengthen the place of live music in our community. RePaved reminds us that supporting musicians also means supporting the stories they carry. Music can document a neighborhood, honor those who came before us and help ensure that history remains present even as a city changes.
We encourage our community to listen to RePaved, support the artist, share it with others and experience Houston history through the perspective of one of the city’s own artists.
We encourage our community to listen to RePaved, support the artist, share it with others and experience Houston history through the perspective of one of the city’s own artists.
RePaved — Jalen Baker
Released September 4, 2026 • Cellar Music Group
Listen to RePaved | Read the Full Release Story | Learn More About Jalen Baker
Released September 4, 2026 • Cellar Music Group
Listen to RePaved | Read the Full Release Story | Learn More About Jalen Baker
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The Biggest Brandon: Album Release & Live Panel ExperienceGet ready for The Biggest Brandon like never before! Join us in person for an epic album release party combined with a live panel.
The evening begins at 6:30 PM with a thought-provoking panel exploring themes of love, identity, emotional vulnerability, and healing, and how these lived experiences shape the creative process. Panelists will reflect on how storytelling, songwriting, and artistic expression serve as tools for reflection, connection, and transformation—particularly within Black creative communities. This conversation offers an intimate look into the emotional and cultural influences behind the music, setting the tone for the powerful performance to follow. At 7:30 PM, experience the official album release performance by The Biggest Brandon, a Houston-born vocalist, composer, and multi-instrumentalist whose sound blends R&B, jazz, soul, gospel, and hip-hop into a powerful and emotionally rich experience. Known for dynamic live performances and rooted in Houston’s vibrant Third Ward music tradition, Brandon brings a fresh yet deeply grounded musical perspective to the stage. This event is more than a concert—it’s a full artistic experience celebrating creativity, community, and the evolution of sound. |
Event Details:
- Venue: Eldorado Ballroom, 2310 Elgin St, Houston, TX 77004
- Date: Sunday, May 24,2026
- Time: 6:00 PM doors
6:30 PM Panel Experience
7:30 PM Performance - Tickets: Eventbrite.com
"This event is funded in part by the City of Houston through the Houston Arts Alliance."
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Paul Cornish: Live in Houston – A Stop of His ALBUM Release TourOn Sunday, October 12, 2025, at 6:00 PM, Houston-born pianist and composer Paul Cornish returns home for a stop of his debut album release tour, presented in an intimate in-the-round performance at the historic Eldorado Ballroom. This special homecoming celebrates Cornish’s debut album, You’re Exaggerating! (Blue Note Records), released this summer to critical acclaim. Blue Note President Don Was describes him as “one of the most innovative pianists to come along in quite a while—with a musical signature taller than the JPMorgan Tower in Houston.” The album establishes Cornish as a bold new voice in the storied Blue Note legacy.
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A proud graduate of Houston’s High School for the Performing and Visual Arts (HSPVA) and an alumnus of the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz at UCLA, Cornish has already achieved global recognition. He was a finalist in both the American Pianists Awards and the Herbie Hancock International Jazz Piano Competition and has toured and recorded with some of the world’s most notable artists, including Joshua Redman, Kanye West, Terrace Martin, HAIM, Louis Cole, and Snoh Aalegra.
Now, in this rare and personal setting, Cornish will bring You’re Exaggerating! to life before a hometown audience. The in-the-round format ensures an intimate and immersive experience, allowing listeners to connect more deeply with the music and the artist.
This one-night-only concert promises to be an evening that blends Cornish’s Houston roots with his global artistry. It’s not just a performance—it’s a celebration of a journey that began here and now and returns full circle.
This concert is made possible through the generous support of Yamaha Pianos and the Third Ward Cultural District. Together, we are helping to bring world-class music home to Houston.
Now, in this rare and personal setting, Cornish will bring You’re Exaggerating! to life before a hometown audience. The in-the-round format ensures an intimate and immersive experience, allowing listeners to connect more deeply with the music and the artist.
This one-night-only concert promises to be an evening that blends Cornish’s Houston roots with his global artistry. It’s not just a performance—it’s a celebration of a journey that began here and now and returns full circle.
This concert is made possible through the generous support of Yamaha Pianos and the Third Ward Cultural District. Together, we are helping to bring world-class music home to Houston.
Event Details:
- Venue: Eldorado Ballroom, 2310 Elgin St, Houston, TX 77004
- Date: Sunday, October 12, 2025
- Time: 6:00 PM
- Tickets: Eventbrite.com
Don’t miss this chance to experience Paul Cornish live - up close, in the round, and at home.
For more information: [email protected] or 713-425-3937.
For more information: [email protected] or 713-425-3937.
2024 Year-End Review: Celebrating a Year of Live Music and Community ImpactPosted on January 31, 2025
As we closed out 2024, the Live Music Movement Foundation reflected on a significant year of live performances, community engagement, and artistic celebration. Last year, we had the privilege of bringing world-class talent to Houston stages, reconnecting audiences with the magic of live music and elevating the profiles of exceptional artists in the jazz community. From intimate concerts to historic moments, 2024 was a memorable year.
Paul Cornish: Album Pre-Release Concert (May 15, 2024) We kicked off our concert season with a performance by Houston-born pianist and composer Paul Cornish at the Houston Piano Company. Returning to his hometown as part of his album pre-release tour, Paul delivered an intimate, immersive experience for attendees. A graduate of Houston’s High School for the Performing and Visual Arts and a recipient of the prestigious Herbie Hancock Institute fellowship, Paul’s virtuosity shone as he shared new compositions and stories from his musical journey. His performance reaffirmed LMMF’s mission to support emerging artists and connect them with their communities. Henrietta Robinson: Jazz Vocalist Extraordinaire (July 27, 2024) In July, the Live Music Movement Foundation proudly presented Houston’s own Henrietta Robinson in concert. Originally scheduled for early summer, the performance was rescheduled due to unexpected weather but was well worth the wait. Henrietta captivated the audience with her deep contralto voice and masterful scat singing, channeling the legacies of jazz greats such as Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughan, and John Coltrane. Accompanied by a talented trio of talented musicians—Brooke Wyatt on piano, A.J. Moyler on bass, and Jerré Jackson on drums—Henrietta’s storytelling through music left an indelible impression on all who attended. Marcos Varela: Bassist Extraordinaire (November 1, 2024) November brought another stellar performance to the Houston Piano Company, this time featuring renowned bassist Marcos Varela. A native Houstonian with a flourishing career in New York City, Marcos returned home to share his musical artistry with our audience. Having performed with jazz legends such as The Mingus Big Band and Leslie Odom Jr., Marcos delivered a dynamic set that showcased his skills on acoustic bass. The concert was a masterclass in jazz performance and a testament to the power of music to bridge generations and geographies. Jalen Baker: Live Album Recording at Eldorado Ballroom (December 19, 2024) Our year culminated in a historic performance at the legendary Eldorado Ballroom, where vibraphonist Jalen Baker recorded his first live album. This milestone event brought together a packed house to witness a pivotal moment in Jalen’s career. Joined by Paul Cornish on piano, Gavin Moolchan on drums, and Gabriel Godoy on bass, Jalen’s quartet delivered an electrifying performance of original compositions, blending innovation with tradition in a way that left the audience spellbound. The evening captured the spirit of Houston’s rich jazz history while looking ahead to its bright future. The Eldorado Ballroom, a cultural landmark in Houston, provided the perfect backdrop for this significant event. Known for its vibrant atmosphere and historic significance, the venue added a layer of depth and meaning to the live album recording, making it a night that will live on in the annals of Houston’s jazz scene. Our Impact in 2024 This year, the Live Music Movement Foundation successfully hosted four major events, each featuring talented artists with roots in Houston and beyond. Through these concerts, we provided a platform for musicians to share their art, engage with the community, and contribute to the city’s cultural vibrancy. In doing so, we reaffirmed our commitment to supporting live music, preserving jazz traditions, and creating meaningful musical experiences. Looking back on 2024, we are filled with gratitude for our artists, supporters, partners, and audience members. Your enthusiasm and dedication have made it possible for us to fulfill our mission of celebrating live music and fostering artistic connections. As we look ahead to 2025, we remain committed to bringing exceptional music to Houston stages and beyond. We are excited to continue this journey with all of you, creating opportunities for artists to thrive and ensuring that live music remains a vital part of our cultural landscape. Thank you for being part of our movement. Together, we are keeping live music alive and thriving. Here’s to an even more inspiring 2025! The Live Music Movement Foundation “Preserving the Legacy of Live Music, One Note at a Time” Witness History in the Making: Jalen Baker Quartet Live at the ElDorado Ballroom
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