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| Dayna Stephens' Debut Album On May 15, 2007, CTA Records will release A Timeless Now, the debut album by tenor saxophonist Dayna Stephens. He is joined by a superb group of musicians including guitarist John Scofield, pianist Taylor Eigsti, bassist Ben Street and drummer Eric Harland. With the aid of Rale Micic, who produced the album, Stephens delivers music that is vibrantly imaginative and pure. A fluid, vigorous soloist with a warm, soulful sound, Dayna Stephens has been described as “one of the most exciting young tenor sax players.” Showcasing brilliant playing as well as writing, he penned seven out of nine selections on the album. Versed listener can hear traces of tenor great Wayne Shorter, who, besides being one Stephens' inspirational heroes, was also his mentor. Dayna Stephens, 28, showed serious talent early on, winning many awards and scholarships with various music programs. After graduating Berklee College of Music in Boston on a full scholarship, he was selected by judges Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter and Terence Blanchard for the prestigious Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz at USC. While there, he studied and played with, among others, Shorter, Hancock, Dave Holland and Mark Turner. Since graduating from the Monk Institute in 2003, Dayna Stephens has worked with the likes of Roy Hargrove, Carlos Santana, Kenny Barron, Terence Blanchard, Steve Coleman and Stefon Harris. write your comments about the article :: © 2007 Jazz News :: home page |