Reverie is the second album from Moldavian-born pianist/composer Stefan Sirbu. Now calling Germany home, Stefan released his first album, Autumn Whispers, in 2021. Reverie is a musical study of the art of daydreaming and features New York musicians Julieta Eugenio (tenor saxophone), Clovis Nicolas (double bass) and Anthony Pinciotti (drums) in addition to Sirbu on piano and Fender Rhodes electric piano. (Sadly, drummer Anthony Pinciotti passed away the end of 2024, shortly after adding his magical touches to the album. Reverie is dedicated to his memory.) The album was recorded at Tedesco Studios in New Jersey on May 7, 2024 and includes seven original tracks by Stefan Sirbu. Although I would definitely call this a jazz album, there is plenty of genre-blurring to make it very pleasantly accessible to a broad range of listeners.

Quoting Stefan Sirbu: "The idea to record some of my songs with this particular band came to my mind during the pandemic. I wanted to produce a record that one could listen to during a short commute home, to drift away for the time of a twilight bus ride or a peaceful stroll through a city at dusk. Not too long; just the time to let one's mind wander, like in a daydream, then 'wake up' to the silence after the last track."

Reverie begins with "Drydown," which was also released as a single. Smooth and peaceful, Julieta Eugenio and her sax take the lead on much of the piece, although all four musicians are very much a part of it. Sirbu has a soulful piano solo in the middle, with bass and drums gently supporting - a great start to the album! "Elsa au Miroir" is a re-imagining of one of the pieces from Sirbu's debut album and features him on the Fender Rhodes. The quartet creates a gentle but definite groove with this one! "No Worries" picks up the tempo a bit for some musical sunshine and a happy-go-lucky expression of joy. Try sitting still while listening to this one! The title track returns to a slow, relaxed and introspective tempo with a piece influenced by JS Bach's chorales. The expressive, soulful sax feels very much like an open and heartfelt conversation with someone close. Sirbu's piano responds with a similar feeling. Quiet and hypnotic, I really love this one! "Sweet" again features Sirbu on the Fender Rhodes in a soulful musical conversation with Eugenio and her sax. "That Very Vienne" is a cinematic nod to Sirbu's formative experiences in the French town. The slow groove, incredible sax and heartfelt piano make this piece especially compelling and bring to mind the descriptive phrase "watercolor memories." "V.S.T. (Valse Sans Titre)" is a waltz that Sirbu composed more than twenty years ago and has become one of his most-popular pieces. Relaxed and leisurely, it's a wonderful close to an excellent album!

The only place I could find in the US to stream or buy Reverie is on Bandcamp. I will add more links as they become available. Be sure to check this one out!