This fall, celebrated saxophonist Dayna Stephens is making a bold departure in tribute to the great Thelonious Monk. The new album, Monk D, pays tribute to the acclaimed pianist known for his unique improvisation. Stephens puts down his saxophone and takes up the acoustic bass to explore Monk’s music alongside pianist Ethan Iverson, tenor saxophonist Stephen Riley, and drummer Eric McPherson.
The album is the follow-up to Stephens’ latest album, Hopium, released this past February via Stephens’ in-house label Contagious Music.
Recorded in one day in a single session at the legendary Rudy Van Gelder Studio in New Jersey, tracks from Monk D features lesser-known compositions from Monk’s catalog. “The collaboration process was as easy and joyful as any record I’ve ever made,” Stephens says. “We all have one thing in common: we love Monk.”
Although known as a saxophonist, Stephens has been playing the acoustic bass since his Monk Institute days, studying under Ron Carter and Christian McBride. As a bassist, Stephens has performed alongside Roy Hargrove, Joshua Redman, Aaron Parks, Lionel Loueke and more. “When I choose a bassist for my saxophone trio or quartet, I’m choosing who will lead the band,” he says. “They control the root notes of all the harmonies, and most importantly, the feel of the pulse that everyone within earshot feels internally. That role is one I crave to be in when I get the chance.”
Monk D comes out on Monk’s 108th birthday on October 10 via Contagious Music.
