The One Constant Danny Fox Trio

• 1 Next Chapter 06:29
• 2 Trudge 04:08
• 3 Easily Distracted 06:08
• 4 Fable's End 05:40
• 5 Sadbeard 06:00
• 6 The Icebox 06:05
• 7 Bad Houseguest 05:56
• 8 Even Tempered 03:09
• 9 Drama King 08:46
• 10 Roquette 06:10
• 11 Room 120 05:35
• 12 The One Constant 05:12
• Total Runtime 01:09:18

Info for The One Constant

The NYC-based Danny Fox Trio plays exciting original music with dynamic group interplay. Almost a mix between a jazz trio, a chamber ensemble, and a rock group, this trio has developed a unique sound that departs from traditional jazz piano format and uses the roles of the instruments creatively. The music draws from eclectic influences: the quirky rhythms of a Thelonious Monk tune, the dark harmonies of Scriabin or ethereal chords of Messiaen, the funkiness of a Motown bassline, or the catchiness of a Beatles tune. The group, which features pianist Danny Fox, bassist Chris van Voorst van Beest, and drummer Max Goldman, performs regularly around NYC and has toured throughout the US.

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, June 2011)

Danny Fox, Piano
Chris Van Voorst, Bass
Max Goldman, Drums

About Danny Fox Trio
Pianist/composer Danny Fox was born in New York City where he became immersed in the jazz scene from an early age. In high school, Danny was selected as a Presidential Scholar in the Arts, an award given to students who excel in both academics and the arts, and performed at a ceremony for President Clinton. Danny received his B.A in Psychology cum laude from Harvard University, where he was awarded the John McCord Prize for excellence in the arts. While in school, he performed around New England and produced two CDs of original music. After graduating, Danny returned to New York to pursue music full time. He has studied with concert pianist John Kamitsuka as well as jazz pianists Fred Hersch, Ethan Iverson, and Garry Dial. He was also chosen to participate in Betty Carter's Jazz Ahead program for young composers in Washington, D.C. in 2003. Danny continued to write music and soon formed his own band, The Danny Fox Quintet, which performed around the city and toured the Northeast. He has worked as the pianist for the Big Apple Circus, a national touring circus, and the legendary Tommy Dorsey Orchestra with which he has played various festivals, concerts, and cruises. Danny has performed as a leader as well as a sideman at venues such as Smalls Jazz Club, the 55 Bar, The Knitting Factory, and Cleopatra's Needle. In addition to a busy performing schedule, he teaches piano lessons to a wide range of students. He is currently composing new music for his new piano trio as well as preparing for an upcoming classical recital featuring works by Bach, Beethoven, Scriabin, and Debussy. He is also the accompanist for the NYC-based Catherine Gallant Dance Company.

Danny Fox - Pianist/Composer
was born in New York City. As a teenager, Danny soaked up the music scene in New York, going out to hear pianists such as Kenny Barron, Hank Jones, Tommy Flanagan, McCoy Tyner, and Sir Roland Hanna. In high school, Danny was awarded a Level I Award in Jazz Performance at NFAA ARTS Week in Miami, Florida and was named a 1998 Stan Getz/Clifford Brown Young Talent Fellow. This in turn led to his selection as a Presidential Scholar in the Arts, an award given to high school students who excel in both arts and academics, and performed at the Kennedy Center in a ceremony for President Clinton.

Danny attended Harvard University where he received his B.A. in psychology, graduating cum laude. While at Harvard, Danny performed around Boston with his own group and as a sideman and produced two CDs of original music: 'Live at Club Passim' and 'Simple.' He was awarded the John McCord Award for excellence in the arts and was selected to perform at a reception for President Nelson Mandela. He was also named one of the Harvard Crimson's '15 Most Interesting Seniors.'

Danny returned to New York City after school to pursue music full time. He has studied with concert pianist John Kamitsuka under whose tutelage he performed repertoire including Beethoven, Scriabin, Bach, and Prokofiev. He has also studied with jazz pianists Ethan Iverson and Garry Dial. In 2003, he was chosen to participate in Betty Carter's Jazz Ahead program for young composers at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. In addition to leading the Danny Fox Trio, Danny currently tours with E-Street Band drummer Max Weinberg's Big Band with which he performed alongside Bruce Springsteen at the Beacon Theater, as well as the legendary Tommy Dorsey Orchestra. Danny has played piano for eight seasons of the Big Apple Circus, a nationally touring NYC-based one ring circus, and can be seen in the PBS miniseries 'Circus.' Danny has also worked as the accompanist for Catherine Gallant Dance, with which he performed the complete Brahms waltzes and three Scriabin etudes at the Yard in Martha’s Vineyard and Joyce Soho in New York. Danny is the musical director for 'Toast of Manhattan,' a semi-regular comedy show, and has played for various theater and burlesque productions. He also composes music for film and television.

Booklet for The One Constant