Michael Formanek - As Things Do - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

With his extensive artistic biography, Michael Formanek is one of the most outstanding figures in contemporary jazz - as a composer, as a bassist in ensembles, and as a soloist. In this formation, he brings together musicians who are among the most original and articulate voices in American and European jazz innovation. When Formanek envisioned this new ensemble, he started by asking the brilliant Alexander Hawkins to join him, with the specific plan to seat him behind a Hammond B3. He then summoned his long-time partners in Thumbscrew - Mary Halvorson and Tomas Fujiwara - then completed the mix with a triplet of adventurous horn players - John O'Gallagher, Chet Doxas and João Almeida. InchFrom beginning to end, New Digs is a stunning display of Formanek's engaging writing, exploring an array of different musical ambiences, often diving the group into small units that follow their own path - conscious of being in a bigger picture, but almost independent of each otherInch, writes Gonçalo Frota in the liner notes and adds InchImaginative and versatile as ever, this is Michael Formanek at the top of his gameInch.

One marker of bassist Michael Formanek's creativity and versatility is the range of distinguished musicians of several generations he's worked with. While still a teenager in the 1970s he toured with drummer Tony Williams and saxophonist Joe Henderson. Starting in the '80s he played long stints with Stan Getz, Fred Hersch and Freddie Hubbard. Formanek is also a composer and leader of various bands. His principal recording and international touring vehicle is his acclaimed quartet with Tim Berne, Craig Taborn and Gerald Cleaver. His occasional groups include the 18-piece all-star Ensemble Kolossus, roping in many New York improvisers he works with. In putting together the Elusion Quartet, interpreting his music with these specific musicians, Michael Formanek says he sought Incha more direct connection to emotions mine, theirs and the listener's. Inch Hank Shteamer writes in the liner notes InchAs one zeroes in on the details of Time Like This, it's clear that this sort of emotional immediacy permeates the album. You hear it in Kris Davis' flowing, balletic solo on InchA Fine MessInch; in Tony Malaby's ululating tenor cries on InchThe Soul GoodbyeInch; in Ches Smith's raucous grooves on InchThat Was ThenInch; or the leader's poised, sinewy lines on InchCulture of None. Inch Elusive? Certainly. But as this album proves, under the right conditions, with the right personnel, it's still out there. Inch

One marker of bassist Michael Formanek's creativity and versatility is the range of distinguished musicians of several generations he's worked with. While still a teenager in the 1970s he toured with drummer Tony Williams and saxophonist Joe Henderson. Starting in the '80s he played long stints with Stan Getz, Fred Hersch and Freddie Hubbard. Formanek is also a composer and leader of various bands. One of his principal recording and international touring vehicles has been his acclaimed quartet with Tim Berne, Craig Taborn and Gerald Cleaver. His occasional groups include the 18-piece all-star Ensemble Kolossus, roping in many New York improvisers he works with. Currently his primary focus is the Michael Formanek Elusion Quartet with Tony Malaby, Kris Davis, and Ches Smith. In putting together the Elusion Quartet, interpreting his music with these specific musicians, Michael Formanek says he sought Incha more direct connection to emotions mine, theirs and the listener's.Inch Hank Shteamer writes in the liner notes InchAs one zeroes in on the details of Time Like This, it's clear that this sort of emotional immediacy permeates the album. You hear it in Kris Davis' flowing, balletic solo on InchA Fine MessInch; in Tony Malaby's ululating tenor cries on InchThe Soul GoodbyeInch; in Ches Smith's raucous grooves on InchThat Was ThenInch; or the leader's poised, sinewy lines on InchCulture of None.Inch Elusive? Certainly. But as this album proves, under the right conditions, with the right personnel, it's still out there.Inch