Yvonnick Prene'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. // Prene chose a dream ensemble for his recording. Prene 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 Prene felt that his singular conception of time and sound was just right for this project. Prene 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. Prene invited trumpet great Jeremy Pelt to help produce and direct session.
