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Noah Baerman: Patch Kit

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LEMD-0301
Recorded in 2002
Released in 2003

Noah Baerman makes a powerful statement with his new trio album Patch Kit, featuring the all-star rhythm section of bassist Ron Carter and drummer Ben Riley. It is not only passionate jazz from a soulful and mature young pianist, but also the transformation of a negative situation into a positive one. In the midst of his struggles with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), Noah produced Patch Kit as a way to raise awareness of this serious but little-known condition. Also, all of the proceeds go to the Ehlers-Danlos National Foundation (EDNF), an organization that provides information about EDS and support for people affected by it.

Individuals with EDS are born with a defect in their connective tissue, the tissue which provides support to many body parts such as the skin, muscles and ligaments. While Noah was often injured throughout his youth, he was blissfully ignorant of how EDS would ultimately impact his career. In 1992 he entered Rutgers University, earning Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Jazz Studies under the tutelage of Kenny Barron. Wrist struggles were a constant, but he pushed forward, performing in and around New York with the quartet Positive Rhythmic Force (with whom he toured frequently and recorded two albums), Ralph Bowen, Wayne Escoffery, Charles Fambrough, Jimmy Greene, Stefon Harris, Tana Reid and Mark Turner. In his mid-20s, however, Noah began to fully realize the extent to which EDS would limit him. All of his joints were increasingly prone to injury and chronic pain, especially when subjected to frequent travel and performances. He was fortunate to have other options, teaching jazz at several universities and writing eight successful books for Alfred Publishing Company, including the recent Big Book of Jazz Piano Improvisation. Still, his "tissue issues" were threatening his continued ability to perform at the highest level. But while the long-term outcome remains to be seen, we now have Patch Kit as a document of what he has accomplished so far.

With two of his jazz idols, Noah works through a varied yet cohesive program. While EDS has already compromised his chops, no impairment is in evidence on up tempo romps like "Carob Powder." One could even surmise that his obstacles have deepened the emotional weight of his playing, as on the achingly lyrical "Everything Happens to Me." With the aid of informative liner notes, the album tells the story of Noah's journey, moving from songs of struggle to songs of hope. The emotional climax is a fresh take on "We Shall Overcome," a sentiment this album powerfully affirms.

Click here to read the Patch Kit liner notes

Click here for the Ehlers-Danlos National Foundation website