Greenfield first met bassist Johnson while they were both studying at the Berklee College of Music in the mid-1970s. It took them another decade to begin playing together regularly in different configurations in New York City. Their work in quartets and trios helped the two develop a conversational style of play. They soon found that they really didn't need other musicians to enhance what they already had as a duo, a formation that they have been revisiting for nearly 20 years. Naturally, Greenfield and Johnson's musical connection was deep. Their duo allowed for an openness in their playing, allowing them to stretch and push one another. Johnson's bass approach maintained the outline of their material perfectly and provided jumping off points for improvisation for the two of them. Hayes Greenfield and Dean Johnson have found that their duo is one of the most enjoyable and rewarding musical pairings in their careers.