It’s hard to go wrong with a program devoted to the works of Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn. On the eminently pleasing Duke And Strays Live, drummer Phil Haynes’ Day Dream trio is captured in performance at Bucknell University in Lewisburg, PA. Beginning with the gentle ballad African Flower, the trio of Haynes, pianist Steve Rudolph and bassist Drew Gress elucidates the melodic contours of the music with flair and a deeply rooted sense of swing. The connection between Haynes and Gress goes all the way back to the drummer’s first album in 1986, and they’ve performed together on a wide range of projects since then. A pianist with a deft touch and a pleasing warmth to his improvising, Rudolph works beautifully with Gress and Haynes to illuminate these well-known compositions. Generally, the arrangements are direct and unfussy interpretations. Among the highlights are the extended treatment of Come Sunday, Strayhorn’s Lush Life featuring Gress’ rich arco introduction, and the closing medley of My Little Brown Book and the Ellington band’s theme song, Take The ‘A’ Train, played with exciting and unexpected shifts in tempo. The close-miked recording is especially kind to Haynes’ delicate cymbal work, though it leaves the audience sounding very far away. All in all, an extremely enjoyable release, quite happily recommended.
Corner Store Jazz CRJ-0140+0141; Steve Rudolph (p) Drew Gress (b) Phil Haynes (d); Lewisburg, PA, September 10, 2023; Disc 1: African Flower; Perdido; Single Petal of a Rose/Sophisticated Lady; U.M.M.G.; Lush Life. Disc 2: Come Sunday; Rockin’ in Rhythm; T.G.T.T.; Lotus Blossom; My Little Brown Book/Take the ‘A’ Train. Total time: 77:27. cornerstorejazz.com
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