Originally from Massachusetts, Zaleski has become a notable leader and sideman in New York City’s jazz scene over the past decade and a half. His recent collaborations have included brilliant stylists, like Cécile McLorin Salvant, Ken Peplowski, and Ravi Coltrane. It was with Coltrane that Zaleski met Douglas, who has been instrumental to Zaleski’s trio sound. Zaleski began playing regularly with Jones in Peplowski’s ensemble.

During the pandemic, Zaleski introduced the trio with Douglas and Jones at Mezzrow Jazz Club, playing frequently for two years. Zaleski found that Douglas and Jones provided a perfect balance of support and interaction; the swing that they produced was a powerful force with a special rhythmic energy.

Zaleski decided that it would be ideal to record the trio, as their performances had felt amazing and rewarded the audience and band alike. In deciding material, Zaleski chose to continue his tradition of honoring his contemporaries and friends by adding their music to the band’s book along with his originals and better-known standards.