With “Running Through My Mind,” guitarist and composer David Bailis delivers a record that is both modern in its electric textures and timeless in its emphasis on ensemble interplay. This album marks Bailis’s fourth outing as a leader, and it’s his most cohesive to date; highlighting not only his deft guitar work, but also a level of group chemistry that makes jazz records memorable.
The album’s title draws inspiration from David’s own passion for running as he’s a 2:53 marathoner, competitive runner, and triathlete. And the concept really shines through on this record, as the freedom with which the ensemble performs is perfectly reminiscent of the liberating feel of a morning run.
The original compositions showcase Bailis’s wide-ranging imagination. “Ordinary Trash” sets the tone with bright grooves and easy camaraderie between Caroline Davis’ alto sax and Andrew Links’ keyboards which blend together in an unusual dissonance. “Angles” on the other hand is somewhat of a misnomer as the textures on this track are the smoothest of the entire record.
https://davidbailis.bandcamp.com/album/running-through-my-mind-2
With a runtime of over seven minutes, “Telepathy” is a journey into dreamlike soundscapes with the high-register keyboard passages lending a cosmic glow that Bailis rides into lyrical soloing. Each piece on the record has a distinct character, yet together they trace an arc that feels organic, like chapters of a single story.
The record also takes an interesting turn with two covers: solo guitar readings of Stevie Wonder’s “Joy Inside My Tears” and John Lennon’s “Jealous Guy.” These songs, originally built on lyrical confession, demand an emotional sensitivity that goes beyond virtuosity. Bailis resists the temptation to overplay, instead shaping the melodies with restraint, patience, and nuance.
Part of the album’s charm lies in its spontaneity. With just enough mixing to sound professional, but not enough to seem mainstream, the sessions capture the kind of spontaneity that can’t be manufactured. The band’s energy translates beautifully, showcasing Running Through My Mind as a testament to collective creativity.
For listeners who appreciate contemporary jazz with an electric edge, David Bailis’s latest album is an essential listen. Running Through My Mind doesn’t just run through your ears; it stays lodged there, resonating long after the final notes fade.