Tree of Thorns has one dominant theme: dark energy. The first track, "Cranning Call," features this in many forms: dark 5/4 groove, dark melodic shape, dark harmonies, not to mention a very dark exchange of ideas between the three during the solo section. Track 2 follows suit, with a different groove and more traditional jazz harmonic approach. Track 3 relaxes the mood a little bit and sets the stage for some more traditional straight ahead tracks, including standards such as Footprints and Yesterdays. Starting with track 9, a free improvisation featuring Bob, with Ellen with a rubato performance of Arise, one of the first melodies that Danny ever composed. |