Harold Danko
's trio in
Trilix
is not a typical piano-bass-drums session, but one where all three players are actively engaged in interplay, rather than just a "follow the leader" date. Joined by bassist
Michael Formanek
and drummer
Jeff Hirschfield
, the pianist chose a fascinating playlist, including
Duke Jordan
's gospel-tinged
"Flight to Jordan,"
the late drummer
Tony Williams
' quiet ballad
"Pee Wee"
(with
Hirschfield
on brushes), and pianist
Richie Beirach
's moody
"Elm"
to open the disc.
Danko
's lyrical setting of
Billy Strayhorn
's anguish-filled
"Blood Count"
(written as he was dying a painful death of cancer) and jubilant, playful take of
Thelonious Monk
's
"Monk's Dream"
bring a fresh sound to jazz standards.
also enjoys reviving obscure gems like
"Damned If I Know,"
a piece by
Bobby Timmons
(composer of
"Moanin'"
and
"Dat Dere"
) that is an intricate bop vehicle with a soul-jazz pedigree. The one standard is a light-hearted arrangement of
Ralph Rainger
"I Wished on the Moon,"
in which
shows the influence of the late
Bill Evans
. ~ Ken Dryden