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.
Danko 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's "I Wished on the Moon," in which
Danko shows the influence of the late
Bill Evans.