Danny Grissett is an American jazz pianist and composer known for his lyrical touch and smooth delivery. This year, he came to Stockholm with his trio, featuring British bassist Orlando le Fleming and Italian drummer Francesco Ciniglio. They performed Danny Grissett’s own tunes with a focus on his 2025 Travelogue album, alongside his arrangements of jazz classics by Duke Ellington, Dizzy Gillespie and others.
In short, Danny Grissett Trio are the quiet luxury of jazz. Like a discreet, high-end cashmere sweater that does not scream with flashy colours or big logos, the band simply delivers a high-quality experience.
Danny Grissett’s compositions are a perfect fit for those who are tired of maxing out the sound and prefer a less-is-more approach.
The main trait of Grissett’s music is its high level of musicality. With great composure, the trio delivers an exemplary, well-balanced performance. Stylistically, they keep things very lagom: the drums shine without overpowering the other instruments, and the mood is playful yet understated. They do not try to reinvent the wheel or resort to circus tricks. Instead, they deliver accessible jazz without pushing the boundaries too far.
Recently, jazz performances have been increasingly open to influences from other genres. In the midst of a particularly avant-garde performance, one might find oneself wondering: is this really jazz? In contrast, Danny Grissett Trio comfortably exists within the classic jazz tradition, proving that innovation is not the only measure of creativity. On the contrary, it takes considerable creativity to deliver something remarkable within the constraints of the form.
The concert, performed in two sets, lasted a generous 2 hours and 45 minutes, including a short break. This felt like the cherry on top of an already great musical experience. The trio demonstrated an old-school dedication to the art form and a genuine joy in performing for a receptive audience. Even the most critical listener would have to admit: “I got my money’s worth!”
