Glenn Zaleski: Star Dreams

SUNNYSIDE RECORDS SSC 1744 (RELEASED AUGUST 2024)

Pianist Glenn Zaleski and his trio explore the past, create the present and foreshadow the future of the classic piano trio format on Star Dreams. When it comes to re-interpreting jazz from the past, Zaleski and his trio of bassist Dezron Douglas and drummer Willie Jones III do it with a sense of finesse and adventure. Even though he does not sing them, Zaleski makes the lyrics of Harry Warren’s “I Wish I Knew” come alive with his perfect timing, use of space and single note attack. Douglas and Jones provide the perfect cushion upon which every great “singer” needs. That same single note approach is used effectively for the speed and intricacy of Charlie Parker’s “Passport,” complete with an inventive and perfectly placed bass/piano duo and drum solo before the tune resolves. The trio shows their ability to re-craft the blues in an inspired version of Horace Silver’s “Opus De Funk” as well as setting the tender mood for “I’m in the Mood for Love.” There’s even a new version of the first song Zaleski wrote — the bouncy “Two Days.” For the present, Zaleski introduces several new tunes on this session. With its soulful melody and more modern harmony, “Wayne” captures the essence of Wayne Shorter, so much so that you can imagine Shorter’s saxophone joining in. Inspired by a conversation with his son about the images he sees when he is asleep, the Latin-tinged ballad “Star Dreams” is equal to the Great American Songbook ballads Zaleski has always included on his recordings. The trio also has the honor of making the first instrumental recording of Cecile McLorin Salvant’s lilting waltz “Monday.” So, what about the future? Simply stated, Star Dreams is the future of the classic trio — respectful of the past, contributing to the present and reminding us that the future of jazz, and in particular the classic piano trio, is thriving.

BOTTOM LINE: Following the release of two critically acclaimed solo recordings, pianist Glenn Zaleski returns to the classic piano trio format of his earlier recordings on Star Dreams. Like those sessions (My Ideal in 2014, Fellowship in 2017 and Live at the Jazz Standard in 2019), Star Dreams further positions Zaleski as a pianist with deep respect for the past, present and future of jazz.