Drummer/Composer Phil Haynes Explores Past and Future in Two Bold New Albums, Reuniting with the Electric Guitar

Return to Electric and Transition(s) to Be Released on April 21, 2025, via Corner Store Jazz

"Since arriving in New York from Oregon in 1983, drummer Phil Haynes established himself as a potent force on the downtown composer/improviser scene.” — Bill Milkowski, JazzTimes

For over four decades, Phil Haynes has been at the forefront of jazz, continuously moving forward while exploring new creative horizons. This forward momentum is evident in his two exciting new albums, Return to Electric and Transition(s), set to release on April 21, 2025, via his own Corner Store Jazz label. Both albums feature Haynes’ return to the electric guitar, reconnecting with his roots and musical influences from his early days in New York.

A Return to the Electric Guitar

Haynes’ journey as a drummer and composer has always been driven by exploration, but his latest projects reflect a deeper connection to his musical past. Reuniting with the electric guitar—a sound that shaped his youth—Return to Electric and Transition(s) both take Haynes back to a genre that initially inspired him: fusion and improvised music. These albums capture his distinctive voice while looking to both the past and the future of jazz.

"I marinated in the iconic electric guitar sounds of B.B. King, Jimi Hendrix, the British Invasion, and jazz legends like Wes Montgomery and John McLaughlin," Haynes recalls. After moving away from New York over 20 years ago, Haynes felt the loss of collaborating with some of his favorite guitarists. Return to Electric and Transition(s) remedy that gap, reconnecting him with longtime collaborators Steve Salerno and Ben Monder.

Return to Electric: Fusion Classics and Bold Originals

Return to Electric sees Haynes delve into the heart of early fusion music, embracing the experimental spirit of artists like Wayne Shorter, Chick Corea, and Mahavishnu Orchestra. Haynes notes, "I was always attracted to the edgy, experimental side of fusion, not its commercial heyday. Recording this album felt like a victory, reclaiming that visceral, full-force energy."

Joined by guitarist Steve Salerno and bassist Drew Gress, Haynes tackles fusion classics alongside original compositions and a set of improvised "Cadenzas" by each member. The album captures the trio’s vibrant, energetic sound, offering a fresh take on familiar pieces while showcasing Haynes’ growth as an artist over decades of playing and composing.

Transition(s): A Long-Awaited Reunion with Ben Monder

Transition(s) marks a long-overdue collaboration between Haynes and guitarist Ben Monder, whom he first worked with during his early days in New York. The two musicians hadn’t recorded together in over 25 years, and Transition(s) is their first meeting on record. The duo revisits the spirit of John Coltrane's "Transition", which was a staple of their jam sessions in the past, while also exploring a range of textures, from atmospheric moods to urgent, lyrical passages. The results are a captivating blend of spontaneity and thoughtfulness.

Haynes reflects on their reunion, "When we played together again, there was an ease to it. We both realized that we’ve been on the right path all along, and now we could see how far we’ve come."

A Tribute to Musical Mentors

Both albums serve as tributes to the musicians who helped shape Haynes’ career. Return to Electric is dedicated to Paul Smoker, the trumpeter who brought together Haynes, Salerno, and Gress. Transition(s) is dedicated to the late Herb Robertson, a close collaborator who passed away in December 2024, just as these projects were nearing completion.

Track Highlights from Return to Electric and Transition(s):

• “Return to Electric”: A high-energy fusion exploration, featuring Salerno and Gress, blending both classic and original tunes.

• “Transition(s)”: A sparse, atmospheric track that explores mood and tension, offering a deeply introspective experience.

• “Cadenzas”: Three improvised solo sections by Haynes, Salerno, and Gress, showcasing their individual voices.

• “I Fall In Love Too Easily”: A surprising standard that emerges spontaneously during the recording of Transition(s), showing the duo’s fluid creativity.

Release Information:

• Album Titles: Return to Electric and Transition(s)

• Artist: Phil Haynes

• Release Date: April 21, 2025

• Label: Corner Store Jazz

• Catalog Numbers: CSJ 0148 (Transition(s)) / CSJ 0149 (Return to Electric)

• Recorded: December 12-13, 2023 (Transition(s)), September 26-27, 2024 (Return to Electric)

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