PAPATAMUS REDUX

CORNER STORE JAZZ 0140-0141 (RECORDED IN DECEMBER 2023)

You might ask yourself where the melody is when the Day Dream Trio begins “Lush Life” with a bowed bass solo or when “Come Sunday” kicks off with a drum solo. But wait, because those familiar tunes will sneak up on you and unfold in a traditional/modernist approach on Duke & Strays Live. There is something refreshing about hearing these tunes reworked by pianist Steve Rudolph, bassist Drew Gress and drummer Phil Haynes. To paraphrase an automobile commercial from my youth, “this is not your father’s Ellington and Strayhorn.” It’s close, but this trio adds something unique to the Ellington/Strayhorn library.  Haynes punctuates the familiar tunes with an array of inventive and perfectly placed cymbal hits, brush strokes and drum rolls. Rudolph combines his strong single note attack with Bill Evans harmonic sensibilities to capture the swing and elegance of Ellington and Strayhorn without copying them. Gress keeps Haynes and Rudolph in check with his strong time keeping and lyrical solos. On their debut recording in 2009, the trio played “Day Dream.” This time around, they cover 13 Ellington/Strayhorn classics ranging from a sublime interpretation of “Lotus Blossom” to a funky take on “Rockin’ in Rhythm” to a medley of “Little Brown Book” and “Take the ‘A’ Train” (complete with the famous opening, changing tempos and the classic ending). Rudolph is given an opportunity to shine on a solo medley of “Single Petal of a Rose” and “Sophisticated Lady.” Despite the more modernist approach to these tunes, Day Dream Trio remains true to one Ellington’s tradition — It don’t mean a thing if it ain’t got that swing. In their own unique way, the Day Dream Trio swings on Duke & Strays Live, making it a must have for fans of Ellingtonia and modern jazz piano trios!

BOTTOM LINE: Jazz musicians have been covering the music of Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn since the day it was written. The trio of pianist Steve Rudolph, bassist Drew Gress and drummer Phil Haynes add their unique twists to the task in a set that is both familiar and refreshing, traditional and modern and inspired and inventive. If you are a fan of Ellingtonia, like me, you’ll love Duke & Strays Live madly!