DAYNA STEPHENS FULL INTERVIEW
Dayna Stephens
Globally recognized saxophonist, composer, and educator Dayna Stephens continues to push the boundaries of modern jazz. His newest quartet featuring Emmanuel Michael, Kanoa Mendenhall, and Jongkuk Kim.
A graduate of the Thelonious Monk Institute, he studied under jazz greats like Herbie Hancock and Wayne Shorter, Stephens began his training at Berklee College of Music and now teaches at both the Manhattan School of Music and William Paterson University.
He was named #1 Rising Star-Tenor Saxophone in the 2019 DownBeat Critics Poll and has released over ten albums, including Right Now! Live at the Village Vanguard and the acclaimed trio project Liberty. His experimental side shines in Pluto Juice, a futuristic electronic group co-led with drummer Anthony Fung, where Stephens plays EWI and keyboards.
Known for his rhythmic intuition and spontaneous creativity, Stephens has collaborated with iconic drummers such as Al Foster, Brian Blade, and Jeff “Tain” Watts. Whether on stage or in the studio, he brings a deep commitment to musical conversation and authenticity.
