The title of Old and New Friends, the latest release from award-winning pianist/composer David Berkman, refers specifically to the exceptional sextet that he assembled for the recording. The band joins two members of Berkman’s recently-formed quartet – saxophonist Dayna Stephens and bassist Linda Oh – with three renowned musicians who can definitely be considered old friends: drummer Brian Blade, who appeared on three of Berkman’s albums in the late ’90’s and early 2000’s; and saxophonists Adam Kolker and Billy Drewes, both of whom Berkman has known for more than 30 years.