During the course of A Million Dreams, pianist Ben Haugland's second date as a leader, most of the trappings of a typical mainstream jazz record are present and easy to identify. Not unlike a lot of young leaders who are fusing their own creative aspirations with an allegiance to the tradition, Haugland penned four of the disc's eight tracks, and chose three American Standards and a Charlie Parker tune to round out the program. Another recognizable element is the presence of a propulsive, flexible, sensitive rhythm section comprised of Haugland, bassist Jay Anderson and drummer Chris Smith. Haugland, tenor saxophonist Stephen Jones, and trumpeter Scott Wendholt are capable soloists with stimulating things to say, excellent organizational skills, and ample technique.
While all of these things are significant in themselves, the factors that make A Million Dreams qualitatively different than a slew other recent recordings with a similar conception and instrumentation aren't quite as easy to delineate. A careless listener might contend that the disc is, stylistically and spiritually, just another knockoff of any number of Blue Note, Prestige, or perhaps, Contemporary sides from the 50s or 60s. However, a hasty, facile verdict doesn't come close to telling the whole tale. Though the disc can be listened to casually and enjoyed as such, only repeat visits, close attention, and a willingness to focus on the work from different perspectives reveals the full extent of the band's virtues, as well as delivering some very large rewards.
The overall sound of Haugland's group surpasses the individual contributions. These guys play the leader's genuinely original compositions - and the rest of the material - with absolute conviction, as well as a great deal of skill and precision. No one sounds anxious to rush through the heads in order to seize an opportunity to blow. For example, the band navigates the twists and turns of Haugland's lively, extended "When Day Met Night," with élan. In lesser hands the composition might not sound nearly as convincing. The same can be said for his lovely, pensive "Dreamscape," in which the group underscores the composition's lyrical quality, and delivers just the right degree of assertiveness.
A Million Dreams is a confluence of excellent original compositions, empathetic ensemble playing and group interplay, as well as memorable solo statements. Highly recommended. ~ Extract by David A. Orthmann, AAJ.
Dazzle Recordings, DR905, 2015
Musicians:
Ben Haugland - Piano
Scott Wendholt - Trumpet
Stephen Jones - Tenor Sax
Jay Anderson - Bass
Chris Smith - Drums
Tracks:
1. When Day Met Night {Ben
Haugland} (7:51)
2. Birds Of A Feather {Johnny
Burke, James Van Heusen} (6:19)
3. Here's That Rainy Day
{Johnny Burke, James Van Heusen} (8:20)
4. Dreamscape {Ben Haugland}
(6:52)
5. Second Sight {Ben
Haugland} (5:32)
6. A Weaver Of Dreams {Jack
Elliott, Joe Young} (5:20)
7. Dedicated To You {Ben
Haugland} (7:17)
8. Big Foot {Charlie Parker}
(4:27)
Total Time: 52:03
