Baida cover

Baida

Ralph Alessi · 2013

59 min · 11 tracks · jazz

A vibrant fusion of intricate melodies and adventurous rhythms that showcases Alessi's unique voice in contemporary jazz.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Baida — The title track encapsulates the album's essence with its dynamic interplay between structured melody and spontaneous improvisation, setting the tone for the entire record.
  • →
    Chuck Barris — This track stands out for its engaging rhythmic complexity and lyrical phrasing, showcasing Alessi's ability to blend humor with sophisticated musicality.
  • →
    Sanity — With its contemplative mood and intricate harmonies, this piece highlights Alessi's introspective side while maintaining a lively momentum throughout.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental
60 /100
Treeline
Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album showcases intricate melodies and adventurous rhythms, reflecting Alessi's unique voice in contemporary jazz.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a title track that features a complex interplay of trumpet and piano, establishing a vibrant tone.
  • The final track is a reprise of the first, which creates a cyclical structure that invites reflection on the themes presented throughout.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 3/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • intricate melodies that invite exploration
  • vibrant rhythms for attentive listening
  • engaging interplay between instruments
  • thoughtful soundscapes for reflection

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer straightforward, catchy tunes
  • seek instant gratification in music

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2013, Baida is Ralph Alessi's fifth studio album, following the critically acclaimed album, Poetica. At this point in his career, Alessi had already established himself as a notable figure in the jazz scene, known for his innovative approach to trumpet playing and composition, blending elements of modern jazz with other influences.
Stylistic neighbors
Jason Moran· Tomasz Stańko· Mary Halvorson

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Baida 5:27
  • 2 Chuck Barris 7:39
  • 3 Gobble Goblins 4:08
  • 4 In‐Flight Entertainment 4:39
  • 5 Sanity 4:49
  • 6 Maria Lydia 5:50
  • 7 Shank 4:47
  • 8 I Go, You Go 6:16
  • 9 Throwing Like a Girl 5:57
  • 10 11/1/10 6:12
  • 11 Baida (reprise) 3:32

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata