All Day Long is an amazing album from the SongAh Chae Trio, a group comprised of SongAh Chae, a pianist/composer/organist from South Korea, Manos Stratis, a double-bassist from Cyprus, and British percussionist Jason Wheatley. Now based in Valencia, Spain, the Trio was formed in 2023 and has performed across Europe, including appearances at the EFG London Jazz Festival and a residency at Jimmy Glass Jazz Bar. All Day Long is the third in a three-album series that was inspired by the Psalms. The other two albums are In the Beginning (2024) and Calling in the Wilderness (2025). I’m not familiar with those two albums, but I plan to remedy that situation very soon! The trilogy approaches the Psalms not as text to be interpreted directly, but as a source of emotional atmosphere and structural reflection. The project explores how instrumental music can carry a sense of continuity and depth without relying on voice or explicit narrative. Instead, meaning emerges through pacing, silence, and interaction. All three musicians are stellar - not because of showy technique (which I’m sure they all have), but for the deep listening to each other as well as respect for the music, which was composed by SongAh Chae.

SongAh Chae’s composing begins with imagery and themes that are often rooted in the spiritual dimension of her life. Once the ideas are formed, she lets them evolve at the piano through improvisation. I find it especially interesting that the material for the album was developed through live performance before they recorded it, allowing the Trio to refine the music while allowing space for spontaneity in the studio. The ten tracks are varied and yet the album flows smoothly and seamlessly - almost hypnotically - with deep emotion running through each piece. It truly is a musical masterpiece!

All Day Long begins with “Be Still,” a quiet and very soulful invitation to share some peaceful moments. “I Shall Not Want” picks up the tempo a bit, but remains on the softer side. SongAh adds some organ to the piano, bass and drums and Manos takes the lead in some passages - a very impressive bass player! “Broken Spirit” begins with a drums/percussion solo before the piano and bass enter with a very mysterious feeling that is both captivating and intriguing - a favorite! I really like “Vindication,” too, with its restless energy and healing spirit. SongAh plays both piano and organ on this one - very effective! “Come and See” features almost military-sounding drumming that is bright and upbeat, along with the piano and bass. The precise drumming creates a fascinating contrast to the fluid piano and organ. “In Time of Trouble” feels very much like a quiet prayer - simple, honest and heartfelt. The introspective “My Fortress” becomes somewhat livelier in the second half, maintaining a sense of mystery throughout, then trailing off at the end. The title track is another favorite with the bass carrying the melody at first and then as a duet with the piano with subtle support from the drums and organ - fascinating! “Mere Breath” has a melody that’s strong enough to support lyrics, but none are needed when the trio is this tight and intuitive. “Answer Me” begins with an easy piano groove that brings the other two musicians into a musical conversation that’s bold, honest and heartfelt - a great closing to an outstanding album. I can’t wait to hear more from SongAh Chae Trio!

All Day Long will be released on July 10, 2026 and links will be added as they become available. I give the album my highest recommendation! Don’t miss the videos for the music, either!