Kevin Hays - Where Are You? (2019)

Kevin Hays is internationally recognized as one of the premier jazz pianists of his generation. Many of his 15 recordings as leader have received critical acclaim from publications such as The New York Times, Downbeat Magazine and Jazz Times, as well as a “Coup de Coeur” from the Académie Charles Cros (France). A prolific sideman appearing on over 60 records, Kevin’s long list of notable musical associations include records with Chris Potter, Joshua Redman, Nicholas Payton, and Al Foster.

2011’s Modern Music (Nonesuch), a piano duo collaboration with Brad Mehldau and composer Patrick Zimmerli, garnered widespread critical acclaim. The duo premiered several works at Carnegie Hall, and has toured throughout the US, Europe, and South America. The solo Variations (Pirouet, 2011), was released to excellent reviews throughout North America and Europe. The record features three sets of improvised variations on several original themes, along with exquisite variations on a fugue by Robert Schumann.

The New Day Trio is Kevin’s latest project with bassist Rob Jost (Bjork, Tony Scherr) and drummer Greg Joseph (Steve Kuhn, Art Garfunkel). Developing over a 2 year residency at New York’s 55 Bar tours of the US and Europe, the trio emphasizes lyricism with a musical scope bridging Hays’s love of jazz, classical, blues, soul, folk and rock music. The trio’s debut album, 2015’s New Day (Sunnyside), marked Hays’s return to the studio and first release in over 3 years. The record was produced by Matt Pierson (Brad Mehldau, Joshua Redman, Mark Turner), and featured special guests Gregoire Maret (harmonica) and Tony Scherr (guitar). Their follow up release, 2016’s North (Sunnyside), marks a return to the acoustic piano trio and explores themes of history, beauty, and hope.