Description
“[T]he individuality of this piano trio proves to be one of [its] most compelling aspects… making it a huge delight to immerse oneself in, again and again.”
– Betsy Bell, Jazz Journal
“This is a trio that truly is more than the sum of its parts, attaining vibrancy and color through a melding of Gress’ deep, shapely tones, Haynes’ probing, loose-limbed accents and Rudolph’s heady lyricism.”
– Lloyd Sachs, DownBeat
With Duke & Strays Live, Day Dream delves much deeper into the repertoire of their revered namesakes. The album, recorded live at Bucknell University (where Haynes is a longtime member of the faculty), consists entirely of compositions written by or associated with Ellington and Strayhorn. The ten pieces are largely well-known classics – the oft-recorded “Take the A Train,” “Sophisticated Lady,” “Lush Life” and “Perdido” are all represented – but each provides occasion for profound and revelatory investigation, never suggesting their vintages or familiarity.
Whatever camp you happen to align with, whether it be modernist, traditionalist, or some sect therein, there’s no mistaking the spirit of past, future, and most importantly the immediacy of now in the Day Dream trio.
– Shaun Brady
Philadelphia, February 2024
