Something happened. Between the summer of The Happiest Times I Ever Ignored and the night before Christmas Eve 2023, the music of Hayden Pedigo transformed. Back-to-back months of touring lead to incredible outcomes: First, his chops became more finely honed than ever before, lending a precision and versatility to the songs that would surprise even the most-seasoned Pedigo listener. Second, Hayden lived in these songs, translating them through improvisation and dynamic exploration into emotional juggernauts – instrumental music that sings to the audience.