Marcus & Jean Baylor “The Baylor Project”

DELUX: When you’re in the studio together, how do you balance your creative visions as partners in both life and music?

Jean– When we’re in the studio together, it’s really about trust and respect. We each bring different strengths to the table—Marcus might hear something rhythmically or harmonically, while I might be focused on the story or emotion in the vocal. The key is knowing when to lead and when to listen. At the end of the day, it’s not about who’s right, it’s about what serves the song.

Marcus–  Because we’re partners in life as well as music, there’s a deeper foundation—our faith and our love for each other—that keeps us grounded. Even if we start with different ideas, we’re always moving toward the same goal: creating something honest, soulful, and true. That balance comes naturally because we trust each other’s instincts and know we’re both working in service of the music.

DELUX: Much of your work blends jazz, gospel, soul, and R&B. Do you consciously set out to cross genres, or does it happen naturally in your process?

Jean:  It really happens naturally. We don’t sit down and say, “Let’s make this part jazz or that part gospel.” Those sounds are just part of who we are and how we grew up. Marcus was raised in the church and shaped by jazz, gospel, R&B, and hip-hop, while I was surrounded by gospel, soul, R&B, and hip-hop as well. So when we come together, all of those influences naturally flow into the music.

Marcus: What makes it special is that we’re not trying to fit into a box—we’re simply telling our story. Sometimes that comes out with a strong jazz foundation, sometimes it leans more gospel or soul, but it’s always authentic to who we are. That blend is just our language.

DELUX: How do you translate the intimacy and authenticity of your music into your live performances?

Marcus:For us, the stage is an extension of the music itself—it’s about connection. The same intimacy and authenticity that go into making the songs in the studio are what we bring to a live performance. We want people to feel like they’re part of the experience, not just watching from the outside. That means being present in the moment, letting the music breathe, and allowing the spirit to move. 

Jean: We share our stories, we improvise, we interact with each other and the audience. It’s less about a perfect performance and more about creating a space where people can feel something real. That’s where the authenticity comes through.

Legacy & Impact

DELUX: Your albums have earned Grammy nominations and critical acclaim. What does recognition mean to you at this stage in your journey?

Jean: Recognition is always an honor, and we’re truly grateful for the GRAMMY® nominations and all the love the music has received. But at this stage in our journey, it means something deeper than just awards. For us, it’s a confirmation that the music is resonating with people—that the stories we’re telling and the emotions we’re sharing are being felt. 

Marcus: We see the recognition as encouragement to keep going, to keep creating with honesty and purpose. It’s less about the accolades themselves and more about the impact—the moments when someone tells us a song touched their life or gave them hope. That’s the real reward.

DELUX: Jazz is often described as both timeless and evolving. What do you feel your contribution has been in keeping the genre alive for new audiences?

Jean: We see our contribution as carrying the spirit of jazz forward while honoring where it comes from. Jazz has always been about storytelling, freedom, and blending influences—and that’s exactly what we try to do. By bringing in elements of gospel, soul, and R&B, we’re creating a sound that feels familiar yet fresh, something that can speak to both longtime jazz lovers and new listeners. 

Marcus: At the same time, we’re intentional about preserving the integrity of the music—the improvisation, the swing, the honesty. If our work helps someone discover jazz for the first time or see it in a new light, we feel we’ve done our part in keeping the genre alive and evolving. Jazz, gospel, R&B, and soul all originate in the Black community—it’s all Black music.

DELUX: Community seems to be a recurring theme in your music. How do you hope your work inspires and uplifts listeners, especially here in St. Louis?

Jean: Community has always been at the heart of what we do. Music is a powerful way to bring people together, to remind us of our shared stories and to give hope. Especially here in St. Louis, with such a rich history of jazz, gospel, and soul, we hope our work not only honors that legacy but also pours back into the community that inspires us.

Our prayer is that when people hear our music, they feel seen, encouraged, and uplifted. If a song can spark joy, comfort someone going through a hard time, or simply create a moment of connection in a room full of people, then we’ve done what we’re called to do.

Marcus: Being a Ferguson native, St. Louis has played a huge role in my growth—from playing drums in my dad’s church to my days in sports. The community shaped who I am through great mentors and coaches. I carry so many memories and remain deeply grateful for the support of the St. Louis community—from performing in jazz clubs to learning from incredible mentors like the late Richard Henderson, who guided so many of us. The city has poured so much into me, and I hope people can see themselves—including the next generation—reflected in our music.

There are certain things only folks from the Lou and down South truly understand, because of where so many of our families come from. St. Louis has its own culture and flavor—from fried fish and spaghetti, to Red Hot Riplets, to St. Louis-style Chinese fried rice. I even won my Jersey Girl wife over with the food! All of that made me who I am. And I have to give a special shoutout to Keith Griffin II, who started this great publication—we grew up together from grade school through McCluer High School.

Though I’m now based on the East Coast, St. Louis will always be home. This community continues to shape the music I write, and my hope is to make the city proud everywhere I go.

MATI Festival & St. Louis Connection

DELUX: Music at the Intersection is all about celebrating the diverse sounds that shaped St. Louis and beyond. What excites you about being part of this lineup?

Jean: What excites us most about being part of Music at the Intersection is the celebration of heritage and diversity that’s at the core of St. Louis. This city has given so much to the world—jazz, blues, gospel, R&B—and being part of a lineup that honors those traditions while showcasing how the music continues to grow is truly special. For us, it’s also about connection. Sharing the stage with so many incredible artists and feeling that energy from the community is inspiring. We’re proud to be part of something that not only reflects the history but also points to the future of music.

Marcus: I’m thrilled and ecstatic to be coming home to play the MATI Festival at the Big Top—it’s a full-circle moment. Just a mile away is where it all began for me, playing drums at my dad’s church, Faith Miracle Temple. My parents founded the ministry, and now my brothers carry on the work. I have so many great memories from tent revivals and every kind of service!

DELUX: St. Louis has such deep jazz and gospel roots—from Miles Davis to Clark Terry. Do you feel a special connection performing in a city with such a strong musical heritage?

Jean: Absolutely—we feel a deep connection performing in St. Louis. This city has given the world so much through its jazz and gospel legacy, from Miles Davis and Clark Terry to countless church musicians who shaped the sound of American music. To stand on that ground and add our voices to the story is both humbling and inspiring.

Marcus: There’s a spirit in St. Louis that will always feel like home. So many greats have come out of the Lou—David Sanborn, Greg Osby, Hamiet Bluiett, Lester Bowie, and gospel greats the Oneal Twins, among countless others. When we perform there, it’s not just a concert—it’s a continuation of a conversation that began generations ago. We’re honored to be part of that lineage and to celebrate it through our music.

I want to recognize the St. Louis greats who gave me my first jazz gigs, including the late tenor saxophonists John Norment and Willie Aikens, and give a special shoutout to the Bosman Twins. The legacy of St. Louis is rich and continues through so many of us—Keyon Harrold, Shedrick Mitchell, Russell Gunn, Kimberly Thompson, Montez Coleman, Mark Colenburg, Marlin “Hookman” Bonds, Emmanuel Harrold, Jahmal Nichols, and many more. Look up these names, and you’ll see musicians representing St. Louis on stages all around the world.

I also have to mention our godfather, the late Richard Henderson of Crusaders for Jazz, who played a major role in supporting us from the very beginning.

DELUX: What can fans expect from your set at MATI STL? Any surprises or moments you’re especially looking forward to sharing?

Marcus: Fans can expect a journey. Our set will have the heart of what The Baylor Project is known for—jazz, gospel, soul, and storytelling—but we always like to keep a little room for the unexpected. There will definitely be moments of joy, moments of reflection, and of course, moments where we let the spirit move and take the music somewhere new.

Jean: We love creating space for the audience to be part of the experience, so every show feels different. We’re excited to come to St. Louis and do what we love to do!

Looking Forward

DELUX: What projects or new directions are you currently working on as The Baylor Project?

Marcus: We’re always exploring and evolving. Right now, we’re really making room for creative space—because that space is so important in ensuring new ideas are rooted in the truth of real-life experiences. 

Jean: We’re definitely cultivating fresh ideas for new music, writing songs and stories that connect with people on a deeper, more personal level. It’s an exciting season of growth and discovery for us.

DELUX: How do you envision the future of jazz and soul music, and what role do you hope to play in that evolution?

Jean: We see the future of jazz and soul as bright and full of possibilities. These genres have always been about innovation, storytelling, and emotional truth, and we think that spirit will continue to thrive as new generations bring their voices and experiences into the mix.

Marcus: Our hope is to be part of that evolution by staying true to the roots of the music while also pushing boundaries—blending genres, exploring new sounds, and creating work that resonates with both longtime fans and new listeners. Ultimately, we want to inspire people, keep the music alive, and ensure that jazz and soul remain relevant and vibrant for years to come.”

DELUX: For young artists inspired by your journey, what advice would you give about creating music that is both authentic and lasting?

Marcus: Our advice would be to stay connected to who you are and the story you want to tell. Don’t chase trends or try to fit into a mold—authenticity comes from creating music that reflects who you are and your experiences. 

Jean: At the same time, invest in your craft. Learn your instrument, your voice, your style, and understand the history of the music you love. When your work is rooted in honesty and skill, it has the power to truly connect with people. Patience, perseverance, and faith in your vision are key—if you stay committed to your truth, the music will endure.

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