Stephens, Dayna
Contagious Music, 2020, CD
Instrument: Saxophone
Issue: 26.2
Jazz Ruler Type: Ballads, Blues
Performance: 3
Sound: 3
Score: 71
O’s Notes: The Dayna Stephens Trio is an atypical unit with the absence of chordal, harmonic support. Bassist Ben Street and drummer Eric Harland join the saxophonist. The musicians capitalize on the open space, allowing their instruments to blossom. Dayna breathes warm tones through his sax in what turns out to be a relaxed, mindful, sometimes melancholy series of original ballads that soothe the soul and provide a suitable opportunity for reflection. Liberty is a timely release.
Publicist: Red Cat Publicity