Young NYC piano trio is inspired by a wide range of influences, from Monk to Messiaen to Motown.

This young NYC group brings a fresh sound to the piano trio format in music inspired by a wide range of influences, from Monk to Messiaen to Motown. Fox's intricate compositions demand organic interaction, with varied roles for each instrument; the results are original and compelling. His classical piano studies inform the music, giving it unusual density and cohesiveness and an often dark intensity.

Fox's pieces don't sound like typical jazz compositions: they have fresh melodies, interesting harmonic twists, and well thought-out development - and the craft all goes towards communicating. The band (which was formed in 2008) honed its interpretations collaboratively, and the clarity and detail as well as the meshing of the three voices are impressive. The improvisations flow out of the composed material organically, and the roles of each musician are varied creatively from song to song. (Chris van Voorst van Beest is on double bass and Max Goldman is on drums.)

And the music has depth and staying power, which may have something to do with the contrast between the energy and cohesiveness of its group dynamic and its darker emotional undercurrents. Danny concurs: 'I think that's a logical extension of my personality, which is both reflective/self-analytical and socially outgoing....Most of the pieces have a searching quality to them that springs out of my own process of self-discovery. This takes on a new dimension when the three of us begin working on the piece, as we are searching for something together.'

Track Listing

• Next Chapter
• Trudge
• Easily Distracted
• Fable's End
• Sadbeard
• The Icebox
• Bad Houseguest
• Even Tempered
• Drama King
• Roquette
• Room 120
• The One Constant

Additional Details

Label: Songlines

Genre: Jazz

Run Time: 69 mins

Release Date: 06/14/11

UPC: 774355158821