Our Story

The performance began with a drum interlude from the young Spears, a half minute or so that let the audience know on no uncertain terms that he would be a force to reckon with the remainder of the evening. His brilliant intro led into Pelt's "Underdog," a swinging piece that allowed the band to find its path and steer inside and outside of it. This performance commemorates the beginning of 19 year old Jared Spears' journey to stardom as a jazz drummer.  His early beginnings with The Doctor's Touch Outreach was years ago around the age of 6, playing in his local church as a mentee under Dr. Butler's tutelage.  He is now a sophomore attending William Patterson University in Wayne, New Jersey.  Based on his opening solo, it would be difficult not to lay the "Hutchinson comp" on young vibraphonist Baker, but his modern sound is deeply steeped in the sound of the masters, which inevitably draws that comparison. His percussive, athletic style however, would emerge over the course of the ninety minute session, revealing the original aspects of his playing. 

Baker and his mates would all receive segments of the performance to play solo, and in trio with bass and drums, leaving them vulnerable to the forces of the here and now.