Album Notes

Norman Baker transcends the musical world with his poetic lyrics and whimsical melodies. His songs are reminiscent of the fairy tales we read as children and held close to our hearts as we grew up; stories of magical creatures and life-changing journeys. Inspired by significant events in his life, Baker's music is carefully crafted to be thought-provoking, and at times, amusing, as he often pokes fun at himself.

"I must admit I have trouble living in the now, and dwell on the future. I'm merely a spec progressing on a time-line, re-living, but trying to erase, ancient mistakes of past lives while trimming my path through the jungle for tomorrow."

Baker is a musical mastermind and his solo music reveals just one of his many personalities. It exists as a separate entity and takes on a life of its own with a unique alt-folk sound that ranges from upbeat to melancholy.

"I consider this music a separate personality from my own as it has nothing to do with music I listen to these days or the other music I play."

Influenced by the likes of Neil Young, Patsy Cline, Built to Spill, Chet Baker, Why?, The Band, and Tom Waits, Baker began writing and playing music at the age of 12. Born into a musical family, he studied with his uncle, jazz guitarist/drummer Milo Petersen, and played with many musical greats such as Brazilian jazz pianist/percussionist/composer Jovino Santos Neto, Jamaican reggae legend Winston "Flames" Jarrett, Heart drummer Ben Smith, jazz trombonist Robin Eubanks, Origin Records' Matt Jorgensen, and legendary reggae drummer Wadi Gad.

the art of not knowing
Norman Baker writes, composes, and produces all of the songs on his long-awaited debut solo album, The Art of Not Knowing, released by Ancient Vessel. In addition to singing and playing guitar, Baker impresses with his vast musical talents by playing bass, organ, drums, and percussion. Instrumentation is completed by several guest artists including his uncle Milo Petersen (guitarist and drummer with Elvin Jones, Eartha Kit, Mose Allison) and both his parents. The Art of Not Knowing consists of songs written by Baker between 2000 and 2007.