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There are new and interesting things happening with the piano trio in jazz today. Acoustic rock elements and non-traditional forms appear increasingly in some of the new ensembles. The Danny Fox Trio is one of them, and their CD The One Constant (Songlines 1588-2) shows them forging ahead nicely with a very modern approach.
The trio showcases the individual and ensemble talents of Danny Fox, piano, Max Goldman, drums, and Chris Van Voorst van Beest on the upright bass. It's a program of interesting originals that unfold in interesting ways. There is a rock influence but they aren't exactly playing rock. They are playing new music with a straight eighth-note periodicity for the most part and there are ostinatos that contrast with counter themes in ways that make for interesting tensions. And there are rhythmic kicks built into the song-structures that both have a new music connotation and the anticipation-delay feel of big band music, at least as I hear it.
It's not a typically improvising sort of trio in the bop sense. Danny Fox improvises melodically-harmonically in ways that sound modern and relate to the themes introduced. But you won't hear a Bud Powell lick.
What the music gives you is in the NEW realm. It's involved and quite interesting. Hear them!
Grego Edwards — Gapplegate Music (Mar 27th) -
The Danny Fox Trio - The One Constant.
The one true constant for most critics is our aversion to thinking outside the box. When in doubt the "free jazz" label is quickly attached and we then crank out a few quick paragraphs on how deep and brooding the artist must be figuring no one will take the time to follow up and we move on. The debut release from The Danny Fox Trio is not your stereotypical piano trio and that's puts most critics as well as label executives on edge immediately. Tagged as chamber jazz there is a definite tip of the hat to the more traditional classical mindset but with a more forward thinking jazz sensibility for a decidedly more open ended approach.
The unique if not ironic quality to The One Constant is the constant and often subtle changes of dynamics and harmonic invention. A subtle undercurrent of lyrical progression but in a more abstract state. Melodies are vibrant, harmonic boundaries are challenged and there is a clear sense of melodic purpose yet the compositions are at times darker, bold and emotionally charged. A myriad of influences makes up the individuals here and this diversity is clearly translated into their craft. Opening with "Next Chapter" the undeniable percussive pulse coupled with Fox's harmonic progression creates a compelling dynamic tension that is immediately shifted into the more bare bones approach used in their compositions as these are more closely compared to sonic parameters as these are tunes with no heads. "Sadbeard" is best described as a melancholy sonic exploratory resembling a ballad as Fox reinvents the more familiar European classical sound with the avant gard improvisational idea of possibly forging his own mental jazz collective of sound. Fox mentions Monk as a predominant influence and here that influence is unmistakable. "Badhouse Guest" is again an odd metered piece with unique changes that set up the dynamics of lyrical motion and progression with purpose.
Adventurous, inventive and compelling finds The Danny Fox Trio as one of the more formidable trios to watch in the coming year. There have been a few that make the attempted relateable comparison to The Bad Plus. To relate or compare The Danny Fox Trio with The Bad Plus is a feeble attempt at an oversimplification of music that transcends strict categorization but instead takes on an organic pulse of its own floating aimlessly but never without distinct purpose between the conventional and the inspired.
Brent Black — Critical Jazz (Mar 16th) -
After about three years in the woodshed, New York’s Danny Fox Trio has officially put out their debut album entitled The One Constant. Released on Songlines, a Canadian label catering to a range of artists from Theo Bleckmann to Bill Frisell. Pianist, bandleader Danny Fox delivers twisting, corky and poignant melodies atop developed, well-constructed arrangements. But it’s the synergetic moments of improvisation that seep their way into The One Constant that evoke a familiar, but by no means redundant, blend of chamber classical music and modern jazz.
Fox’s classical roots can be credited to John Kamitsuka (pupil of Sophia Rosoff who taught Fred Herche, Barry Harris, Ethan Iverson of The Bad Plus). The music on The One Constant operates similarly to The Bad Plus. Danny Fox makes a compositional decision to use well-rehearsed skeletal pieces rather than tunes with heads. Fox even attended some of Iverson’s free (informal) classes for young pianists. Fox stated that he feels a natural spill effect of his classical practice into his improvisation. “Practicing classical repertoire opens my ears up to a wide range of rhythmic and harmonic possibilities that I can apply in my improvisation and composition. When you practice a Beethoven sonata for example, you have to internalize lots of challenging rhythms”. Fox encourages jazz players to keep an open ear towards studying a rich variety of music and cites Duke Ellington’s Far East Suite as influential on behalf of its “classical signification, African rhythms, Middle Eastern scales, rock beats, etc.”
Fox is supported by Chris van Voorst van Beest on bass; a musician who’s background lays not only in jazz but rock, afro-beat, bluegrass, and theater pit bands. He has shared the stage with Joe Lovano, Clack Terry and Chris Potter. Drummer Max Goldman studied with Gerald Cleaver and Kenny Washington but now performs in a number of projects from electronica to backing singer-songwriters. On “The Icebox” Max flexes his drum-and-bass chops below Fox’s light, (dare I say funky) ostinato piano jabs. It’s form, like many others on the record, will carry the listener seamlessly around tonal centers, time signatures and grooves. Fox gives his nod to J.S. Bach with the fugal intro of “Roquette” but the music fades as Goldman shifts into an unaccompanied solo that followed by another jagged groove the group achieves so beautifully. The One Constant is a “chamber jazz” record in that it melds “classical” intuition fostered by pedagogy and jazz improvisation supported by interactive arrangements. The Danny Fox trio has arrived…swinging their own pulse.
Alexander Ariff — Hardbop Jazz Journal (Sep 2nd, 2011) -
SONGLINES DANNY FOX TRIO/The One Constant: Who does this genre pushing piano jazzbo with a degree in psychology from Harvard think he is? Denny Zeitlin? A left leaning piano trio that doesn't get so off the wall that you have to be in the church basement next door to get it, it's music for the musically adventurous that doesn't cross the line into malcontent. Mixing a lot of modes along the way, this accessible hell raiser adds the leavening to anything he stirs up. A solid set for those who don't like it too easy but don't like it too challenging. A winner throughout. 1588
— Midwest Record (Nov 27th, 2011) -
Growing up in Manhattan down the street from famed bassist Bob Crnashaw gave pianist Danny Fox a rich education in jazz that the great music conservatories in the Northeast just can’t quite match. But Fox’s deep interest in classical music shaped his conception of jazz as well and both of those backgrounds come to the fore in his trio’s debut’s release, The One Constant. A heady mixture of both worlds, Fox with Chris van Voorst van Beest (bass) and Max Goldman (drums) create motifs, rhythmic structures and chords not native to jazz, but the spontaneity and energy they apply to Fox’s originals is very much in the jazz spirit. Moreover, the unpredictability of not knowing what lurks around the corner of each song makes for a listening adventure: “Fable’s End,” performed live in video below, provides a great example of this challenging but satisfying style.
The thoughtful, classically influenced, darker melodies of The One Constant played sharp by the Danny Fox Trio, offers proof that there is still a lot of creativity to be wrung from the tried-and-true piano trio format.
S. Victor Aaron — Something Else Reviews (Dec 5th, 2011) -
It took the Danny Fox Trio around three years to get out their debut album The One Constant, but it’s an album that benefits from the time spent together. The album relies on strong improvisation (often held together by short themes), and the group’s tight enough to pull it off.
Pianist Fox comes from a traditional jazz background and you’ll hear some Monk here, but his time spent playing classical shows through as well. His arrangements are accessible, yet heady, and the dark tones of the album work well in contrast with the energetic playing of the musicians. Bassist Chris van Voorst deserves some extra attention. He’s solid throughout, but his work on album highlight “Trudge” keeps the gloomy song from being anything but what its title suggests.
Justin Cober-Lake — Pop Matters (Sep 21st, 2011) -
Danny Fox Trio: The One Constant
Danny Fox Trio The One Constant (Songlines Records; 2011) Danny Fox (piano) Chris Van Voorst (bass) Max Goldman (drums)
One of the qualities that makes a great trio is the ability to reach deep into its own consciousness and bring out structures and harmonies that make the listener think. That's the reason why I'm really enjoying the debut from the New York based, Danny Fox Trio, The One Constant.
The material on The One Constant is dense, complex and exploratory. While the compositions feel very European, the trio make clear distinction between themselves and any overseas counterparts. On the "Next Chapter", Fox's playing has the feel of John Taylor, Tord Gustavsen and Thelonious Monk. It's rich and layered with little swathes of playfulness. As "Next Chapter" moves forward, I felt I could be listening to more recent Dave Brubeck material. Fox's playing is brisk with both a mixture of classical and improvised jazz aesthetics.
On "Easily Distracted", Fox displays hypnotic duplicity in both performance and writing. The later interplay between the members (especially with Van Voorst) is superb. The trio have been together long enough and know when to challenge and when to lay back and let the melody move freely. The ballad "Even Tempered" is beautiful and sits more in the classical tradition with what felt like a small bit of ragtime just underneath (probably my mind playing tricks but that's what I felt). It's a brief piece but it shows the real diversity of Fox's writing and the impressive dynamics of the trio.
"The One Constant" again takes the listener on a journey that builds slowly and rises with cinematic flare. It's an emotional piece that feels like a suite with various chord changes and mood settings.
The One Constant is an excellent debut from an American trio with bold, expressive ideas. The Danny Fox Trio might be one of those under-the-radar groups that you better get to know quickly because we may be talking about them for a long time to come.
JazzWrap (Jun 20th, 2011) -
Trio Takes (Part 1)
Yes, I know I could a review a recording every day and never cover 1/2 the piano trio CDs released in a given year. Many I listen to once and find them hard to return to; if you're lucky, you receive a recording as involving and interesting as "The One Constant", the debut CD by the Danny Fox Trio (Songlines). Pianist/composer Fox, bassist Chris van Voorst van Beest and drummer Max Goldman easily mix stylistic influences (there's a bit of The Bad Plus approach on certain tunes) but what catches the ear is the melodic content of this music. There are pieces like "Sadbeard", a ballad that starts as a meditation with tolling piano chords and then changes pace into an intense 3-way conversation before returning to its minimal beginning. The short but lovely "Even Tempered", with its classical piano line (the influence of Beethoven) and splendid arco (bowed) bass stands out with how the band never loses its focus and the song always moves forward. There are moments on "Drama King" that have its roots in progressive rock yet the quirky, martial, beat under the piano solo takes the song in an unexpected direction. The program is filled with moments like that, places in the songs that don't conform to any formula but the creative ideas of the trio. Hence the long "funk" section of "The Icebox" and the sweet high-hat inventions that Goldman adds under the short, playful, piano phrases - this is music that feels "live" and "alive", music that has enough "give" so that it can be fresh when played on a stage or in a club.
The title track closes the program, its structure and piano line referring back to "Even Tempered." But the mood is darker until Goldman kicks "up" the beat for several minutes. Then the trio literally takes the song out on a 2 minute fade without truly resolving the melody, leaving the door open for future adventures.
Danny Fox, a Harvard graduate with a degree in Psychology, has become a busy musician, playing in Here Be Dragons with saxophonists Jon Irabagon and Andrew Neff, a 7-year gig with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra and manning the piano chair in drummer Max Weinberg's Big Band. The music he creates for his Trio is neither cluttered nor static but open and satisfying while still being challenging and very entertaining. On further listening, one notices how impressive the group's interactions are, how fine a bassist van Voorst van Beest is and the musicality of Goldman. So, don't wait - go listen. For more information and to hear plus see the Trio play, go to www.dannyfoxmusic.com.
Click below to download a track from "The One Constant", courtesy of Songlines and IODA Promonet.
Trudge (mp3)
Richard Kamins — Step Tempest (Jun 10th, 2011) -
Influences sly as a Fox for pianist
May 08, 2011 | By JACK WALTON | South Bend Tribune Correspondent
A phrase attributed to the Greek poet Archilochus goes, "The fox knows many little things. The hedgehog knows one big thing."
At this point in his career, pianist Danny Fox, then, is indeed a fox.
In high school, Fox was selected as a Presidential Scholar in the Arts, and he performed for President Bill Clinton. Fox went on to graduate cum laude from Harvard, with a bachelor's degree in psychology.
Rather than pursue a career that directly involved his college major, Fox decided instead to embark on a musician's life. His jazz piano trio is already building a rising reputation in New York City, and he is taking the trio on the road in order to promote the group's upcoming debut album, "The One Constant."
Saturday, the Danny Fox Trio appears at Merrimans' Playhouse in South Bend. Bassist Chris van Voorst and drummer Max Goldman round out the group.
Not surprisingly, Fox's music is decidedly cerebral, but that's not to say it's without soul. On the album's title track, the musicians establish a groovy, hypnotic foundation before introducing some energetic, agitated improvisations together. The approach makes for a very engaging listening experience.
"I write all the material, but when I bring in a tune, Chris and Max bring their own ideas and their musicality to influence how it will eventually be played," Fox says by telephone from New York City. "It comes out sounding much cooler than it would be if it were just me saying everything. They'll think of things I never would have thought of. The process is pretty neat, and pretty satisfying."
Fox's playing bears stylistic traits from jazz pianists such as Thelonious Monk and McCoy Tyner, but close listening can reveal strains of a different idiom from time to time: classical music. Fox has moonlighted as a classical player, and he has carefully studied piano works of Beethoven, Debussy and Scriabin.
"I've worked on those pieces a lot, and although I never try consciously to apply them (in jazz), I can't help but have that influence," he says. "I just have those sounds in my head and I have them in my fingers."
Long sessions working on Scriabin études left a particular imprint on Fox's harmonic conception.
"I'm drawn to his dark harmonies and his rich-sounding minor chords," he says. "Because those études are so difficult, I worked on them for hours and hours, and they led me to start hearing certain voicings the way he does."
Even when Fox attempts to keep things simple, his natural creativity injects complications. This was the case with a piece called "Short Al from Brooklyn."
"I have a reputation for writing really long charts, and I wanted to write a really short tune," Fox says. While writing out the chart, he put the word "short" on the top of the page to remind himself to stay economical. The final product – which isn't simple – needed a better title than just "Short."
An avid New York Mets fan, Fox likes a 24-hour sports radio station where and one of the regular callers goes by the moniker Short Al from Brooklyn. Fox decided to pay tribute to him.
"He was an old guy who grew up rooting for the Brooklyn Dodgers. At one point, people thought he had died, because he had stopped calling in. It turns out he'd moved in with his daughter and she wouldn't let him call late at night anymore," Fox says. "It has kind of a sad sound to it."
The Danny Fox Trio's Facebook page catalogs a list of influences that includes several artists who come from realms far removed from jazz and classical music: R&B singer Donny Hathaway, rural bluesman Mississippi John Hurt, bluegrass picker Doc Watson and even rowdy rockers Van Halen appear on the list as inspirations.
If he continues to synthesize all that he knows about life and music, Fox may even become a hedgehog yet.
In concert
The Danny Fox Trio performs at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Merrimans’ Playhouse, 1211 Mishawaka Ave., South Bend. Tickets are $10 in advance, $12 at the door.
Clinic
The Danny Fox Trio also hosts a jazz clinic at 1:30 p.m. May 15 at Merrimans’. Admission is $5.
For more information, call 574-329-3430 or visit the website merrimansplayhouse.com.
Jack Walton — South Bend Tribune (May 8th, 2011) -
AUGUSTA – The original compositions of Danny Fox bedazzled an Augusta crowd, Oct. 1 at Jewett Hall Auditorium on the University of Maine at Augusta (UMA) campus.
Fox, a Harvard University graduate living in New York City where he is teaching, performing and composing, is currently on a New England tour with his trio.
Backed by Chris van Voorst van Beest on stand-up bass and Max Goldman on drums, the Danny Fox Trio rhythm section is solid behind intricate instrumental jazz pieces. Goldman makes the most, and then some, with a small jazz kit, while Fox's piano playing is extremely interesting, easily keeping a jazz fan's attention.
"There are many different parts and structures in my tunes," said Fox.
The 28-year-old pianist was quite animated in his playing, bobbing and dipping his head, feeling his music. He addressed the audience in between tunes with funny, creative titles such as "Drama King" and "Bad House Guest."
"You can all relate to this one," he said, introducing the latter tune.
"The names of those songs can come from anywhere, I like to joke," Fox said, while also admitting that songs like "Trudge" really do almost sound like someone is trudging through quagmire.
Fox credited Herbie Hancock, Thelonious Monk and various classical piano players as his prime influences. For a jazz trio, Fox and company had a whole lot going on musically, for such a small lineup.
"I am influenced by all sorts of music," he said. "It comes from everything. A lot of jazz and classical, even old Motown and rock. These are influences that hopefully come out. Whatever I am listening to hopefully creeps in to my work."
Fox and the group said they very much enjoyed their venue at UMA, where earlier in the day Fox instructed a jazz clinic. Jewett Hall's quaint auditorium was a prime spot to hear such juicy jazz as Fox and friends dished out.
"Playing here was fun," Fox said. "The clinic was great too, people here are excited about playing and writing."
Performing as part of the trio at UMA was actually a homecoming of sorts for bass player van Voorst van Beest, who was a former UMA faculty bassist.
The accomplished Fox, who has been playing since he was 10 years old, has already released two albums and played with a slew of different groups. He would like to release a CD with his current group by spring and said they would begin recording soon.
Danny Fox can be heard online at myspace.com/dannyfoxgroup and dannyfoxmusic.com.
Sam Shain — Capital Weekly (Oct 7th, 2009)