Tree Of Life
Create or Destroy, 2024
8/10
The guitarist David Bailis is joined by Chris Speed, Eric Lane and Jason Nazary for these 4 originals and lone cover, where thoughtfulness and creativity are very much appreciated.
“Rays Of Light” opens the listen with Lane’s sophisticated keys that suit soulful tenor sax from Speed amid Bailis’ spirited guitar, and the title track follows with Nazary’s subdued drums and much intimacy via the the wind and guitar.
“Big Dreams” occupies the middle spot and showcases Lane’s well timed synth bass alongside the flowing keys, while “Open Your Eyes” comes with a dreamy flavor thanks to the meticulous guitar from Bailis who turns in a careful interpretation of the Bobby Caldwell tune. The quick listen exits with “Is Eternal”, where the dynamic instrumentation benefits from crisp drums, intricate guitar and lively sax.
The quartet fleshed out the songs in a 5 hour session without any rehearsals, and Bailis’ diverse background is very much apparent throughout the colorful and imaginative affair.
Travels well with: Doug MacDonald- Live At The Rancho Mirage Library; The Haas Company- Celestial Latitude