A nepenthe is an elixir that relieves one's
worries and sorrows. In Homer's Odyssey, the nepenthe is a potion given to
Helen to cure her woe. Saxophonist and composer Dayna Stephens finds his
nepenthetic reprieve while performing. For his new recording -- "That
Nepenthetic Place" -- the Brooklyn born, Bay Area raised reedman has convened
an ensemble of musicians he has known from his early days in the youth programs
of the Bay Area, the Stanford Jazz Workshop, the Berklee College of Music, and
the Monk Institute in Los Angles. It includes trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire,
pianist Taylor Eigsti and alto saxophonist Jaleel Shaw.
Cory Weeds is a busy man. One wonders how this club owner, record label owner
and distinguished saxophonist accomplishes more in one day than most of us do
in a year. He loves to present jazz to enthusiastic fans at his Cellar Jazz
Club in Vancouver. He also loves to present jazz to the world through his
Cellar Live record label. Most importantly, he has a deep passion for making
the art itself. Listeners will hear this love, passion and commitment on his
brand new disc -- "With Benefits" -- featuring fellow Vancouverite Bill Coon
on guitar and the rhythm section of New York City's Peter Washington and Lewis
Nash.
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