Glenn Zaleski's trio is an ideal example of a group that holds true to jazz traditions while trying to add something more. Originally from Massachusetts, Zaleski has become a notable leader and sideman in New York City's jazz scene over the past decade and a half. He decided that it would be ideal to record the trio, as their performances had felt amazing and rewarded the audience and band alike. In deciding on the material, Zaleski chose to continue his tradition of honoring his contemporaries and friends by adding their music to the band's book along with his originals and better-known standards.
The program begins with a bouncy take on Harry Warren's "I Wish I Knew," this version based on an arrangement by Adam Kolker. "Two Days" was the first tune Zaleski ever wrote, but he shelved it initially. He began to reinvestigate the piece over the past few years, finding it's ingredients leading to interesting group interpretation. Touring with singer Cécile McLorin Salvant introduced Zaleski to the singer's original, "Monday." The trio presents the piece's first instrumental interpretation with poise and taste. Horace Silver's "Opus de Funk" is a jaunty tune that the pianist fell in love with after hearing the wailing version on Milt Jackson's album, Opus de Jazz. Zaleski's gorgeous ballad "Wayne" was written while the pianist was in Paris shortly after the legendary saxophonist/composer passed away. The uplifting, playful quality of the title tune is balanced by a dream-like mysterious quality. On Charlie Parker's "Passport," presents challenges that the trio handle with verve. The program concludes with Zaleski's favorite ballad, Jimmy McHugh's "I'm In The Mood for Love." The quietly intimate take provides a lovely way to end the album.Ideal jazz performances provide audiences with many things. They can provide joy, surprise, and romance. A great performance should also give a nod to the past while providing glimpses of the future. Glenn Zaleski and his trio deliver their new album, Star Dreams, a view on the modern jazz piano and it's blend of tradition and mystery.
" "Glenn Zaleski has quickly become one of the most important pianists of his generation and it's easy to see why." - All About Jazz
Summer walks in Brooklyn's Prospect Park led Glenn Zaleski and his wife to the sanctuary of The Vale of Cashmere, a small, secluded pond densely populated with flowering trees. This became a favorite spot for Zaleski to meditate. It also became the spot where he began to compose and catalog music for an upcoming August performance, where he intended to revisit his favorite ensemble format, the quintet.// Zaleski's choice of instrumentalists was easy and inspired. He knew that he wanted to feature the incredible sound of tenor saxophone and trumpet as leading voices. Saxophonist Lucas Pino is one of the pianist's oldest friends and collaborators, so there was no question about his involvement. Trumpeter Adam O'Farrill is a more recent acquaintance but one that Zaleski wanted to revisit after first playing with O'Farrill seven years ago.// The rhythm section includes two musicians that Zaleski has long admired and performed with. Bassist Desmond White has been a regular collaborator with the pianist since college and drummer Allan Mednard has been a favorite time-keeper on many stages.
Through the act of improvisation, the jazz musician is continually composing. When it comes to formal composing of pieces for a jazz ensemble, the jazz musician must be able to not only write a good melody but also to provide a "springboard" for the ensemble to communicate and improvise. Pianist Glenn Zaleski's second recording for Sunnyside, Fellowship, reconvenes his trio, featuring bassist Dezron Douglas and drummer Craig Weinrib, to play a program of original compositions and a couple of insightfully arranged standards.
Originally from Boylston, MA, Glenn Zaleski is a jazz pianist/composer currently living in Brooklyn, NY. He maintains an active performance and teaching schedule nationally and abroad, working with such artists as Ravi Coltrane, Ari Hoenig, Lage Lund, Ben Van Gelder and Melissa Aldana. "My Ideal", his debut album, will be released on Sunnyside Records.
