The pianist reported that the melody and name of the title track came from a dream, during which actor Philip Seymour Hoffman read to him.

The trio of Brad Mehldau (piano), Larry Grenadier (bass), and Jeff Ballard (drums) had recorded together since 2005;[1] their previous album was Blues and Ballads, which was released in 2016.

[2] Since then, Mehldau albums had included duets with Chris Thile, and solo piano recordings of Bach pieces.

[3] The title track of the new recording came from a dream that Mehldau had, in which actor Philip Seymour Hoffman read the United States Constitution to him.

[1] "Mehldau re-harmonises and toys with the baroque opening line of 'Ten Tune' while Ballard is at full stretch; the piece plays out with the pianist unaccompanied, spinning variations with such purpose that they appear pre-composed.