Trilix

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.