“By All Means” feat Dayna Stephens, Ben Street, Billy Hart EFG London Jazz Festival

Doors open – 7:00pm
Show begins – 8:00pm
Show ends – 10:00pm

Tickets from £10 | Complimentary for Patrons

Order from the Jazz Menu directly to your table in the Sunbeam Theatre. We recommend coming in early to enjoy a bite and a drink before the music starts.

“By All Means” features A-list American jazz musicians including tenor saxophonist Dayna Stephens, bassist Ben Street, and legendary drummer Billy Hart. Rooted in the tradition yet open to the moment, the trio explores a repertoire that is melodic, harmonically rich, and deeply interactive. The music draws inspiration from figures like Wayne Shorter, Kenny Wheeler, and Duke Ellington- embracing swing, lyricism, and emotional depth.

With a sound that is both powerful and deeply lyrical, Dayna Stephens has earned global recognition as a saxophonist, composer, arranger, and educator. Voted first-place winner in the 2019 DownBeat Critics Poll in the category Rising Star – Tenor Saxophone, Dayna has carved out a singular space in modern jazz. His 10th album Right Now! Live at the Village Vanguard, released on 3 October 2020, features a stellar lineup including Aaron Parks, Ben Street, and Greg Hutchinson, capturing the energy and spontaneity of a landmark live set. Earlier that year, his 9th album Liberty received critical acclaim, with NPR’s Kevin Whitehead praising Stephens for his “streamlined melodic” playing and “handsome down-the-middle tone”.

Described by Nippertown as “an elegant, uncompromising look at how less can definitely be more,” Dayna’s work showcases a refined mastery of tone and space. His playing is sophisticated, emotionally resonant, and deeply musical—qualities that have made him one of the most exciting tenor saxophonists on today’s international scene.

Ben Street is one of the most sought-after double bassists in contemporary jazz. Known for his sensitivity, depth of tone, and fluid interaction, he has collaborated with a long list of modern jazz icons, including John Scofield, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Mark Turner, Ben Monder, Sam Rivers, Danilo Perez, Aaron Parks, and Billy Hart. He studied acoustic bass with the legendary Miroslav Vitouš, and his work continues to shape the rhythm sections of some of the world’s most revered ensembles.

William “Billy” Hart is a legendary jazz drummer and educator whose career has spanned over six decades. Born in Washington, D.C., he began by performing with soul greats such as Otis Redding and Sam and Dave, before moving into jazz with artists including Buck Hill and Shirley Horn. He was a sideman with the Montgomery Brothers (1961), Jimmy Smith (1964–1966), and Wes Montgomery (1966–1968). After relocating to New York in 1968, he recorded with McCoy Tyner, Wayne Shorter, Joe Zawinul, and performed with Eddie Harris, Pharoah Sanders, and Marian McPartland.

A member of Herbie Hancock’s seminal sextet from 1969–1973, Hart went on to work with McCoy Tyner (1973–1974), Stan Getz (1974–1977), and the group Quest during the 1980s. In addition to extensive freelance work, he notably recorded with Miles Davis on the influential 1972 album On the Corner. Tonight, Billy Hart brings the depth and dynamism of his legendary career to the stage.

Line-up:
Tenor Saxophone – Dayna Stephens
Piano – Aaron Parks
Double Bass – Ben Street
Drums – Billy Hart