"Fox Hunt" is an original composition by Arcoiris Sandoval from her 2018 album Arcoiris Sandoval Sonic Asylum Trio: First Voyage. Performed at an uptempo swing feel of around 267 beats per minute in G minor, this track channels the high-energy tradition of bebop and hard bop while filtering it through a contemporary sensibility. Sandoval's piano solo is fiery and technically demanding, navigating the fast tempo with clarity and rhythmic precision. The title evokes a sense of pursuit and urgency that is reflected in the relentless forward motion of the performance. Despite the breakneck pace, Sandoval maintains a strong sense of compositional logic in her improvisation, developing motifs and building tension through her solo. The trio setting, with its inherent openness, allows the bass and drums to be active participants rather than mere accompanists, creating a three-way conversation that amplifies the energy of the performance. The choice to write a tune at this velocity demonstrates Sandoval's confidence in her ability to sustain creative improvisation at high speeds, a challenge that separates accomplished jazz musicians from the truly exceptional. "Fox Hunt" is one of the most propulsive tracks on the album and a strong showcase of the trio's collective power.
