She is best known for being half of the successful R&B duo Zhané (pronounced Jah Nay), that gave us some of the most memorable, smooth R&B tracks of the 90s, such as “Hey DJ.” And even though she is re-charting her course as a solo artist, Jean Baylor, formerly Jean Norris, still has a sound that brings a safe harbor to her fans. Vertical Fix spends time with this R&B chanteuse to learn of her personal and professional evolution.

“Developing this CD shares with listeners how I’ve developed, grown and changed over the years, and how my life has come full circle,” says Baylor. “During the down time since being a part of Zhané, I’ve re-evaluated my life and rededicated myself to God, which changed my outlook on life and that’s a major part of who I am now.”

Who Baylor is now is an artist committed to her new identity, which embodies everything artistic and creative. She plays the piano, writes and produces songs, film and TV soundtracks and performs internationally with and for other well known artists. For example, Baylor teamed up with husband and fellow musician, Marcus Baylor from the Grammy award-winning group Yellowjackets, who co-produced her first solo project. Together, they impressively produced an album full of inspiring tracks, exceptional instrumentation, and soul stirring lyrics. A gifted songwriter, Baylor, who has a publishing deal with EMI Music Publishing, continues to demonstrate her exceptional songwriting abilities, creating songs in the past for top recording artists like Mary J. Blige. Additionally, she wrote two songs featured on the acclaimed HBO special, “Disappearing Acts,” starring Sanaa Lathan and Wesley Snipes.

The days since Zhané

“Even though I was far removed from the recording industry for a while, I was never really out of it. I’ve been blessed to have been able to use my gifts in a number of entertainment sectors, but now I’m focusing on re-entry into the recording business,” Baylor says.  “Getting a chance to perform in Japan with my husband and Marcus Miller, a former bassist for Luther Vandross and other musical celebrities, was wonderful and I received a great reception because of the love the Japanese have for American music,” she says. “I also feel very blessed to have opened in L.A. for Chrisette Michelle recently. These were great opportunities because I’m basically working on re-establishing myself as a solo artist, changing my former identity as the “light-skinned” singer of the R&B duo Zhané, which was how people used to identify us, and in many cases, still do,” she shares.

Baylor says that she and former college buddy and singing partner Renee Neufville, began their musical careers at Temple University, where they would sing at talent shows and various events like weddings. A music producer was on hand at one of their performances and she and Renee officially became Zhané in 1993, where they enjoyed major success for seven years as a duo. The two parted to pursue individual interests and are still friends today, even though they are each ensconced in their own musical endeavors. 

“When was the last time…?”

Baylor is most pleased with her new CD project “Testimony” and believes it tells the story of how she has grown musically, spiritually and lyrically from years past. She describes one of the songs on the CD, “Morning Time,” as a way to get your day started, offering positive, soulful, inspirational messages from God. On the CD, Baylor demonstrates her remarkable range on the bluesy, soulful ballad “Sweet,” while her vocals breeze over the mid-tempo cut, “Come Go With Me,” where her voice soulfully soars over a string-laden production.
Although not yet released or on hard copy yet, the CD is receiving great media reception and has already made its way on to YouTube.

“There’s a guy on YouTube who has a video of himself listening to the CD asking ‘when was the last time you listened to a CD that made you cry?’ It’s kind of funny, but pretty cool at the same time, especially in today’s internet driven marketplace,” Baylor says. “We’ve been blessed to see positive write ups about the CD on blogs such as AOL’s Black Voices.

Changes in sound, distribution, audiences and how artists are earning their income are among the challenges Baylor is maneuvering her way through. She not only recognizes the obstacles faced by today’s artists that make it in an increasingly competitive market, but she also is aware that the lack of variety found in today’s music provides an opportunity for her to break through the clutter.

“There are some great artists out there who are making good music, and who are also good song writers, but music has changed so much that unless you’re associated with the hottest producers who are getting paid millions to produce the next hit maker, it’s even more challenging,” says Baylor. “Now with digital download and major distributors like Tower Records closing, record sales distribution is not as it once was and it’s affecting everybody, but I believe ‘Testimony’ will be a fresh entry into the market.”

A compassionate anthology

“Testimony” blends elements of hip-hop, pop and R&B/Soul, giving a personal soundtrack of Baylor’s life, and also serves as a compassionate anthology filled with hope, inspiration and gratitude.

“The songs on the CD draw from my own life’s experiences, with personal accounts of my journeys of love, pain and spiritual growth over the years,” she explains. “It’s a collection of songs that shares different areas of my life and a snapshot of the different times and places and all that God has done.  It’s a coming of age musical reflection that I believe everyone can relate to.”

Baylor believes that the New Year offers many opportunities with the release of “Testimony.” And in addition to the songwriting, producing and upcoming international concert appearances that she and her husband Marcus have on the agenda, they are also looking into other creative opportunities to delve into for their Be A Light production company. 

“We’re not sure if we’re ready to call it a label, but for now we’re just coming together to see what else we can produce creatively,” says Baylor. “I’m really looking forward to 2008 and sure I’d like to be on MTV Cribs, but more importantly, I am hoping that the songs on this CD will really speak to people.”

Story by Norma Stanley for Vertical Fix^TM

Story by Vertical Fix^TM is an online magazine and internet radio experience created to empower readers while giving listeners a 24/7, constantly evolving stream of soulful grooves anchored by lyrical content that is honest and inspiring. www.verticalfix.com.