Timeless Now, The

Dayna Stephens is a contemporary jazz tenor saxophonist whose sound is roundly hailed as warm, effusive, and sophisticated, much like his admitted influences Joe Henderson and Wayne Shorter. As a performer in the neo-bop post-Michael Brecker tradition, he'll also be compared in blindfold tests alongside Joe Lovano, Bob Mintzer, Chris Potter, and Seamus Blake. Nonetheless, Stephens has come out of the gate with a collection of original modern mainstream compositions backed by some established heavyweights of American music to support him. "Contagious" is the best track on the date to feature the young and brilliant pianist Taylor Eigsti, a chip off the ol' Chick Corea block. His complex, probing intricate rhythm changes spur the band on to a high level, while in a modal and beautifully spiritual area during the standard "But Beautiful," Eigsti coaxes Stephens to a cozier radiance tempered by restraint. Occasionally switching to Fender Rhodes piano, Eigsti fuels the road song "Teeth." John Scofield's familiar electric guitar is heard melding with Stephens and Eigsti on three tracks: the neo-bopper "Beginning of an Endless Happy Monday," a choppy and bouncy "Smoking Gun," and the easy swing take of Ferde Grofé's classic "On the Trail." Drummer Eric Harland does his usual stellar job making rhythms jump and pop, while bassist Ben Street takes humble yeoman status as usual and enforces his role as a solid if unspectacular contributor. Trombonist Nick Vayenas adds shades of gray on his cameo appearance during the waltz "Once Upon a Timeless Love." There's a sense of ease, calm confidence, and fluid dynamics permeating this project. On what is certainly a credible first outing, Dayna Stephens delivers a solid effort from a very appealing entry point. ~ Michael G. Nastos|