Doug Baker at Common Grounds-Lindley Park

Focusing on songwriting the last several years, Baker released his first solo recording, Navigating Life, in late 2021. Eddie Huffman, author of “John Prine: In Spite of Himself,” noted that the album “ranges far and wide musically, from a Georgia Satellites-style rocker to a pretty piano ballad,” and highlighted its “quirky, lighthearted touch reminiscent of John Prine and Loudon Wainwright III.”

Beyond performing and recording, Baker is dedicated to music education. He maintains a studio in Greensboro where he offers lessons in guitar, ukulele, bass, and songwriting. He also hosts a popular series of songwriter rounds, Songwriters@Scup. Reflecting on his journey, Baker shared, “I’ve always written songs, but in bands I was usually content to play guitar and contribute a song here and there. Sort of a George Harrison approach. I’ve written a lot in the last five years, so it seemed it was about time I did this.”