Trio dates are somewhat of a rarity for
Harold Danko, but he makes the most of the opportunity on this 2002 session for Steeplechase. With bassist
Michael Formanek and drummer
Jeff Hirschfield, he chooses a wide range of jazz compositions, starting with a radically different, more free-flowing than usual approach to
Randy Weston's "Hi Fly."
Danko's arrangement of
Jaki Byard's "Mrs. Parker of K.C." (first recorded by its composer on a date as a sideman with
Eric Dolphy) adds many twists and turns to an already challenging work. On the other hand, he sticks closer to the beautiful melody of
Mel Tormé's ballad "Born to be Blue," while proving that
Gerry Mulligan's upbeat "Rocker" can be a successful vehicle without the presence of a horn. The leader's twisting post-bop original "Smoke House" is clearly inspired by
Tadd Dameron's "Hot House" (which is in turn based on the chord changes to
Cole Porter's "What Is This Thing Called Love?"). This highly recommended date is easily one of the best of
Harold Danko's long career.