Danny Fox Trio: The One Constant

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.