Yvonnick Pren�'s mission is to put the harmonica in it's rightful place in the pantheon of instruments used to improvise. He makes a convincing case on his new recording, Listen!, as he eschews the trumpet in the classic jazz quintet setting and replaces it with the chromatic harmonica. // Pren� chose a dream ensemble for his recording. Pren� loves saxophonist Dayna Stephen's magical sound, which he likens to the angular approach of Wayne Shorter. Drummer Bill Stewart has been a longtime favorite and Pren� felt that his singular conception of time and sound was just right for this project. Pren� met pianist Kevin Hays while at the New School and has always appreciated the pianist's unique voice that regards the tradition reverently, but with a certain freedom. Friend Clovis Nicolas holds the rhythm section the rhythm section together with his fluid bass playing. Pren� invited trumpet great Jeremy Pelt to help produce and direct session.
