“Star Dreams” Liner Notes
My new album, “Star Dreams” is released today from Sunnyside Records! Below are the album’s liner notes, that I wrote in January this year:
I was putting my nearly 3-year old son to bed one night, and we struck up a conversation
about dreams. “What kind of dreams do you have?” I asked him, and after deep thought he
looked into my eyes and replied sincerely, “I have star dreams.” Needless to say that response
really knocked me out, and a few months later I wrote the tune that would become the title
track of this album.
About the music:
I Wish I Knew - Arranged by my friend Adam Kolker, with a groove added by Dezron and
Willie, the tune sneakily hovers between two keys before they both dance together in the coda
and soar away.
Two Days - This is the first tune that I ever wrote, and I always wanted to record it. I was 16
years old, and it was two days before I attended a summer music camp in Stockton, CA that
would have a profound impact on me.
Monday - In late 2020, in the depths of the pandemic, I got an unexpected email from the
great Cécile McLorin Salvant to play a long tour of Europe. This experience, in addition to
being a dream come true, also helped to pull me out of a deep, pandemic-induced depression.
During that tour, this tune of Cécile’s was always one of my favorites to play.
Opus De Funk - A Horace Silver classic. Milt Jackson’s recording of it on “Opus De Jazz” is
one of my all time favorites, and our recording pays homage to it.
Wayne - Written on the road in Paris, shortly after the news of Wayne’s passing. The music
borrows elements from Wayne’s “early” and “late” composing styles.
Star Dreams - see above
Passport - A Bird rhythm changes head that I’ve always loved to play.
I’m In The Mood For Love - One of my favorite ballads, and to end the album on a calm,
romantic note.
1) I Wish I Knew (H. Warren, arr. by A. Kolker) 4:31
2) Two Days (Zaleski) 6:27
3) Monday (C. McLorin Salvant) 4:23
4) Opus De Funk (H. Silver) 6:04
5) Wayne (Zaleski) 5:19
6) Star Dreams (Zaleski) 5:47
7) Passport (C. Parker) 4:17
8) I’m In The Mood For Love (J. McHugh) 5:35
Glenn Zaleski, piano
Dezron Douglas, bass
Willie Jones III, drums
Thank you to Dezron and Willie for their impeccable musicianship. Thank you to my wife
Tomoko and son Allan for the constant inspiration. Thanks to Francois for believing in this
project. And thanks to YOU, the listener, for supporting this music!
Recorded October 9th, 2023 at Acoustic Studios, Brooklyn, NY
Engineered by Michael Brorby
Mixed and Mastered by Dave Darlington, Bass Hit Studios
Album Artwork and Design by Christopher Drukker
Trio Photos by Luke Marantz
Produced by Glenn Zaleski and Francois Zalacain
