Born: October 2, 1979 Primary Instrument: Bass, acoustic
Eyes Shut Tight is the latest project by Double Bassist/ Composer Paul Baxter. Eyes Shut Tight, as a band, relies heavily on the interplay of it's members and the “..strong melodic, compositions..” provided by the band leader, Paul. The inspiration behind this project was the great feeling when these musicians performed together. Whatever they were playing came alive and that is exactly what happen when Paul brought his Compositions to the outfit.
Eyes Shut Tight's name describes the “..intuitive group dynamic..” and because a number of the tracks were born out of political and social ideology describes the blinkered mentality a lot of people have towards the world.
Paul feels that these are some of his best compositions from the last 5 yrs and he loves performing with this outfit.
The group have been performing on/off for the last 2 yrs and only over the last year have been performing the material from 'Evolution'.
Last Updated: February 2, 2013
“Rising bassist Paul Baxter has selected eight cuts of
exploratory piano-based jazz, forged in the company of keys
master Johnny Tomlinson and the excellent skins and bronze
of Kris Wright. ‘Evolution’ manages that often sought, yet
rarely achieved balance of being sweetly melodic and
sufficiently experimental to please both the improv
cognescenti and those who prefer their small band jazz to
maintain a mainstream appeal. ‘Time of Arrival’ is a wonderful
example, scene-setting arpeggios leading with a warm-
hearted sense of inevitability to closing expansive splashes of
colour. A True Gem!”
- The Musician, Dec
2010.
“(Eyes Shut Tight)...it's proper brilliant jazz. Bloody Great...”
- Martin Powell, JATP
Bradford.
“..Wake up..make room on the 'breakthrough' platform for
EYES SHUT TIGHT. You Know it makes sense!!!” Ron
Burnett, Jazz Notes.
“Paul Baxter's Eyes Shut Tight has to be the most
sophisticated and skillful group to play a support set at
Wakefield Jazz.
The freewheeling compositions for Evolution (their debut
CD) leave plenty of space for pianist Johnny Tomlinson to
move out and express his improvising talent. Kris Wright
varies from a time-keeping groove to a clattering drive with
ease and Paul himself provides a foundation and a further
accomplished solo voice.”
- Chris De
Saram, Wakefield Jazz, 2010.
Sorry, no recommendations at this time.
