When George Baker arrived in New Haven in the mid-1990s, his reputation preceded him. He’d been Marvin Gaye’s music director, had toured with everyone from overnight sensations to nostalgic acts, had even backed Sammy Davis Jr. Baker provided some of the best bar conversation in town. You couldn’t drop a name without him humbly mentioning some gig he’d done with that very act.

His magical affinity for the guitar needed no advance promo. It remains instantly apparent whenever he plays.

It didn’t take long for Baker to find a comfortable perch as one of The Convertibles, the old Thursday night houseband at Café Nine when it was still Mike Reichbart’s joint. It wasn’t long after that they he formed his own local combo, a versatile outfit which could headline a weekend night of multiple sets and also gracefully lead an afternoon blues or jazz jam.

There’ve been many line-up changes over the years, while Baker has also found fame on the BET Jazz channel and with his album Mojo Lady.

It’s been said that serving in the George Baker band is an apprenticeship, an education, a master class. The first class to graduate—saxophonist Lou Ianello, drummer Chris Lyons, bassist Kyle Esposito and keyboardist Nick Lloyd—is convening Friday, July 8 at (where else?) Café Nine, for a reunion gig beginning at 10 p.m.

These are all accomplished, multi-faceted musicians in their own right—Lloyd, for instance, produced The National’s first album and founded the Firehouse 12 studio/club on Crown Street—but the Baker band gives them a special bond. It’ll also likely be an old-home night for “musician’s living room” regulars of a decade or so ago.