Danish jazz and soul artist Søren Baun, better known by his moniker BAUN, takes listeners on a carefully curated journey through Beginnings, his debut album. Released on October 25, 2024, this 11-track offering demonstrates a clear commitment to musicianship, blending jazz, soul, R&B, and funk into a cohesive narrative. While the album is grounded in Baun’s jazz roots, it consistently steps beyond genre boundaries, creating moments of both quiet introspection and celebratory energy.
The album opens with the smooth, reflective “Let Go,” which introduces Baun’s signature sound: warm, layered instrumentation led by his expressive vocals. This track sets the stage for a record that’s as much about atmosphere as it is about storytelling. From there, songs like “The Sound” and “Listen here” (featuring Mathias Heise) showcase BAUN’s use of vintage textures, with the Juno60 and Fender Rhodes adding warmth and depth. There’s a balance throughout the album, between vibrant grooves and contemplative melodies, that feels deliberate and considered.
“Don’t Give Up The Fight,” the lead single, is a high point of Beginnings. Funky bass lines and rhythmic horn sections drive this track forward, but it’s the lyrics—a rallying cry for persistence—that linger after the music fades. Written early in Baun’s career, it carries a timeless message, elevated by the kind of live energy that is rare to capture on record. Tracks like this make it easy to see the influence of legends like Stevie Wonder, but Baun never leans too heavily on his inspirations, allowing his own style to shine.
Another standout is “I Wanna Be Your Man,” which leans into Baun’s jazz expertise while pulling in understated neo-soul elements. It’s not a song that demands attention—it earns it with subtlety. Similarly, “Everyday,” with its layered harmonies and relaxed pace, feels personal and expansive at once, an ode to the quiet power of restraint in music.
One of the most impressive aspects of Beginnings is the interplay of live instrumentation and studio polish. With contributions from over 25 musicians, the album feels alive, brimming with the kind of spontaneity that characterizes great jazz. This collaborative spirit doesn’t overshadow Baun’s own voice; instead, it amplifies his vision, grounding the music in community and connection.
If there’s a critique to be made, it might be that the pacing of the album occasionally lingers in familiar territory. A few tracks, while impeccably performed, feel slightly interchangeable in their mid-tempo grooves. But even here, the craftsmanship and attention to detail prevent the album from losing momentum.
Beginnings is an accomplished first step for BAUN, a record that speaks to his years of experience as a performer while pointing to a future full of possibilities. It’s not an album that shouts for attention—it earns it through its thoughtful construction and heartfelt execution. Whether you’re a jazz purist, a soul enthusiast, or somewhere in between, Beginnings has something to offer. It’s a grounded, immersive listen and a strong introduction to an artist who seems to understand both where he’s come from and where he’s headed.
Our rating: 8.5/10