Plays

Described by Hersch as "a no-gimmicks album to showcase my working band," 1994's The Fred Hersch Trio Plays was his third album for Chesky Records and the pianist's follow-up to his Grammy-nominated 1992 album Dancing In The Dark. With simpatico support from double bassist Drew Gress and drummer Tom Rainey, Hersch presented fresh interpretations of tunes by his favorite jazz composers, which included Miles Davis ('Milestones'), Wayne Shorter ('Iris'), Thelonious Monk ('Played Twice'), Dizzy Gillespie ('Con Alma'), and Herbie Hancock (Speak Like A Child). The album also includes an original number, 'Evanessence,' which Hersch composed as a salute to pianist Bill Evans. The Fred Hersch Trio Plays is a remarkable collection of performances affirming that jazz is about exploration, constant reinvention, and selfless teamwork. The album is reissued on 180g One Step Pressing Vinyl LP and will be released on 3rd October 2025.