Dayna Stephens is a contemporary jazz saxophonist, composer, and educator whose nuanced compositions and fluid improvisational style have won him acclaim in the modern jazz scene. Born on August 1, 1978, in Brooklyn, New York and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, Stephens has established himself as a distinctive voice in the post-bop genre with a rich, warm tenor tone that both soothes and challenges listeners. He is an alumnus of the prestigious Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz (now the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz) and has learned from some of the finest musicians in the world, such as Wayne Shorter and Herbie Hancock.

Throughout his career, Stephens has collaborated with a host of jazz luminaries, including Brad Mehldau, Al Foster, and Ambrose Akinmusire, among others. His impressive discography reflects a commitment to artistic growth and exploration. With albums like "Right Now! Live at the Village Vanguard," Stephens captures the spontaneous energy of live performance, while in "Acceptance" and "Change of Heart," he delves into thematic explorations of personal and musical ideas. "Gratitude" showcases his warmth as a performer and his depth as a composer. Stephens' intellectual approach to composition and his emotional depth as a player secure his place as a respected and influential figure in the world of contemporary jazz, and his works such as "Peace" and "New Day: The Emeryville Sessions, Vol. 3" continue to push the boundaries of the genre.

Genres

Contemporary Jazz

Straight-ahead Jazz

Latest Release

Closer Than We Think

Dayna Stephens

Album - 11 Tracks - Released April 5, 2024