Dayna Stephens Trio Liberty

Dayna Stephens Trio
Liberty
Contagious Music

About tenor saxophonist Dayna Stephens' previous album "Gratitude," I wrote that, "While not a perfect analogy, … Stephens reminds me of the great Ben Webster in his attention to his tone and every note he plays seems thoughtfully considered … ." That recording was recorded after his recovery from a rare kidney disease. Now free from the illness, he is heard in first trio recording backed by bassist Ben Street and drummer Eric Harland.

In his album notes, Stephens states, "Liberty is a broad term that can refer to many situations, and for this recording, it takes on a few meanings. Playing trio as a saxophonist without any chordal harmonic support can be exposing yet very liberating. … Capturing it at Rudy Van Gelder's studio … just makes this project that much more special." He also observes that "One important common definition of Liberty says: 'The state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions imposed by authority on one's way of life, behavior, or political views.' It's tough not to be aware of current events taking or losing shape within our species."

Concerning the music on this album, there is both freedom and discipline manifested throughout. This starts with the tune "Ran," which was written for a dear friend, Randi Norman. Stephens displays his full tone as well as melodic sensibility with Street and Harland providing support and their own touches. Stephens calls "Faith Leap," a reimagined 'Giant Steps,' taken at a much slower tempo and rhythm. At the same time, "Kwooked Stweet" is a contrafact of another Coltrane tune, "Straight Street." He provides a relaxed attack on this latter number while again exhibiting his robust style and keen musical sense in developing his solo. On "The Lost and Found," Stephens plays baritone with controlled robustness. The trio plays with a spirited playfulness on "Loosy Goosy," There is an African flavor to "Tarifa," which is named after a place on the southern tip of Spain closest to Africa. Street spins a mesmerizing motif with Harland's percussion laying a foundation for Stephens, who plays multiple saxophones here. then there is the graceful beauty of his interpretation of Aaron Parks "Planting Flowers."

Stephens has again displayed those qualities that have had him recognized as one of today's most significant saxophonists. With the complimentary support from Street and Harland, The Dayna Stephens Trio has produced an exceptional saxophone trio album to place with similar records from Sonny Rollins, Joe Henderson, J.D. Allen, and others.

I received my review copy from a publicist. Here the Dayna Stephens Trio performs "Loosy Goosy."