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Michael Formanek

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, Gerry Mulligan, Fred Hersch and Freddie Hubbard. (As a callback to those days, Formanek recorded with hardbop pianist Freddie Redd in 2013). The bassist has played a pivotal role on New York's creative jazz scene going back to the '90s when he notably led his own quintet and played in Tim Berne's barnstorming quartet Bloodcount. Nowadays Formanek's in the co-op Thumbscrew with Brooklyn guitarist Mary Halvorson and drummer Tomas Fujiwara.

Formanek is also a composer and leader of various bands. His principal recording and international touring vehicle is his acclaimed quartet with Tim Berne on alto saxophone, Craig Taborn on piano and Gerald Cleaver on drums, which records for ECM; 2010's The Rub and Spare Change and 2012's Small Places both earned coveted five-star raves in Down Beat. Formanek writes, and the quartet plays, compositions of great rhythmic sophistication that unfold in a natural sounding way – challenging music the players make sound like lyrical free expression. His occasional groups include the 18-piece all-star Ensemble Kolossus, roping in many New York improvisers he works with. Ensemble Kolossus recorded their first CD of all Formanek originals for the prestigious ECM label in December of 2014. The CD, The Distance was released in February 2016 and in addition to numerous other accolades also received a five-star review in Downbeat!

Formanek's other recordings as leader include Wide Open Spaces and Extended Animation for quintet and Low Profile and Nature of the Beast for seven players (all on Enja), and the solo album Am I Bothering You? (Screwgun). Mirage (Clean Feed) is by the occasional improvising trio of Formanek, tenor saxophonist Ellery Eskelin and pedal steel guitarist Susan Alcorn. Thumbscrew's 2014 debut is on Cuneiform Records. Michael Formanek has also made dozens of recordings as sideman, for among others Dave Ballou, Tim Berne, Jane Ira Bloom, Dave Burrell, Harold Danko, Marty Ehrlich, Tomas Fujiwara, Gary Thomas and Jack Walrath.

As composer of works for ensembles from duo to mixed jazz and classical orchestra, Michael Formanek has received institutional support from Chamber Music America, the Mid-Atlantic Arts Foundation, the Peabody Conservatory, the Maryland State Arts Council and the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts.

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2
Album Review

Nataniel Edelman Trio: Un Ruido De Agua

Read "Un Ruido De Agua" reviewed by John Sharpe


Born in Buenos Aires in 1991, Argentinean pianist Nataniel Edelman first met bassist Michael Formanek and saxophonist Michaël Attias when studying in New York City. He maintained the ties and the outcome was the three sessions under Edelman's leadership in a Berlin studio in 2022 which resulted in Un Ruido De Agua. It is not the first time he has recorded with the reedman, as Attias joined Edelman for a tour in his homeland in 2021, where the pianist, an ...

7
Album Review

Jeff Lederer with Mary LaRose: Schoenberg on the Beach

Read "Schoenberg on the Beach" reviewed by Jerome Wilson


Saxophonist Jeff Lederer has used several unexpected inspirations for musical projects over the years, such as Shaker hymns and the writings of Herman Melville. Schoenberg on the Beach may be the most audacious thing he has ever done. It blends the compositions of Arnold Schoenberg and Anton Webern and the sounds of Coney Island together into an intriguing song cycle performed by a team of exceptional jazz musicians. Schoenberg lived in Los Angeles in the latter part of ...

4
Album Review

Nicolas Politzer: Visiones

Read "Visiones" reviewed by Mike Jurkovic


At first encounter, as the Cecil Taylor infused “Fandango" kick-starts Argentinian drummer Nicolas Politzer's highly recommended Visiones, a keen perception of falling, or at least cliff-side vertigo, accompanies the rancorous performance. But do not let go. Hang on. There is resolution. Politzer's angular musicality makes for some fiery and spirited discussions with well-travelled bassist Michael Formanek, (Mary Halvorson, Tomas Fujiwara, Fred Hersch) and equally far-afield pianist Santiago Leibson, (Francisco Mela, Gerald Cleaver, Camila Nebbia), which can (and do) ...

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Radio & Podcasts

Aki Rissanen, Michael Formanek, Jin Jim and Jeff Sipe Trio

Read "Aki Rissanen, Michael Formanek, Jin Jim and Jeff Sipe Trio" reviewed by Len Davis


New releases from Aki Rissanen, Michael Formanek from Damaged Goods and German band Jin Jim with Johann May. Experimental Trio from Austria EKKO 3, and from the UK Paroksha with Marco Anderson. We finish the hour with high energy rock from Mark Lettieri, Fernando Molinari, Isobar, Commodore from Argentina, and The Jeff Sipe Trio.Playlist Aki Rissanen “Day After Yesterday" from Hyperrreal (Edition) 00:00 Michael Formanek “Verdigris" from Damaged Goods (Cuneiform) 05:47 Jin Jim “Turning The Page" from New ...

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Radio & Podcasts

New Music From Formanek's Elusion Quartet And More

Read "New Music From Formanek's Elusion Quartet And More" reviewed by Bob Osborne


On this show the featured album is the new release from Michael Formanek's Elusion Quartet. There is also new music from Jim Alfredson, Laila Ferman, Guzmán Calzada & Sofía Scheps, Louis Stewart & Noel Kelehan, Joëlle Léandre with Craig Taborn & Mat Maneri, Juan Pastor / Chinchano, Javier Red's Imagery Convertor, Buselli Wallarab Jazz Orchestra, and, The Nimmons Tribute.Playlist Show Intro 00:00 Jim Alfredson “Verna" from Family Business (Posi-tone) 00:43 Michael Formanek Elusion Quartet “Rewind" from As Things ...

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Radio & Podcasts

Michael Formanek Elusion Quartet, Illegal Crowns, and Iyer / Aftab / Ismaily

Read "Michael Formanek Elusion Quartet, Illegal Crowns, and Iyer / Aftab / Ismaily" reviewed by Maurice Hogue


Debuting this episode are new albums from bassist Michael Formanek and his Elusion Quartet (Tony Malaby, Kris Davis & Ches Smith), Illegal Crowns (Mary Halvorson, Taylor Ho Bynum, Benoit Delbecq & Tomas Fujiwara, and the trio of {m: Vijay Iyer}}, Arooj Aftab & Shahzad Ismaily with their Love In Exile. I expect to see all of those on best-of lists at the end of the year, and Love In Exile may well appear in many genres. It's a bit uncategorizable. ...

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Album Review

Michael Formanek Elusion Quartet: As Things Do

Read "As Things Do" reviewed by Troy Dostert


The Elusion Quartet has become one of bassist Michael Formanek's more formidable ensembles, even if it is a more recent project than his long- standing work with Tomas Fujiwara and Mary Halvorson in Thumbscrew, or the many recordings he has made with prominent saxophonists ranging from Tim Berne to Marty Ehrlich and Ellery Eskelin. Although As Things Do is only the second release by the group, it is a superb album in every respect and a strong contender for year-end ...

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Recording

ECM Records Releases Michael Formanek's "The Distance"

ECM Records Releases Michael Formanek's "The Distance"

Source: Universal Music Group

Michael Formanek Ensemble Kolossus is: Loren Stillman (alto saxophone); Oscar Noriega (alto sax, clarinet, bass clarinet); Chris Speed (tenor sax, clarinet); Brian Settles (tenor sax, flute); Tim Berne (baritone sax); Dave Ballou, Ralph Alessi, Shane Endsley (trumpets); Kirk Knuffke (cornet); Alan Ferber, Jacob Garchik, Ben Gerstein (trombones); Jeff Nelson (bass trombone, contrabass trombone); Patricia Brennan (Marimba), Mary Halvorson (guitar); Kris Davis (piano); Michael Formanek (double-bass); Tomas Fujiwara (drums); Mark Helias (conductor). The Distance represents a grand creative leap for bassist-composer ...

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Performance / Tour

The 5th Season of Brooklyn Jazz Wide Open Continues With Michael Formanek

The 5th Season of Brooklyn Jazz Wide Open Continues With Michael Formanek

Source: Jason Byrne, Red Cat Publicity

Connection Works Presents The 5th Season of Brooklyn Jazz Wide Open at The Brooklyn Conservatory of Music Concert Hall The Brooklyn Conservatory of Music is located at 58 Seventh Ave (at Lincoln Place), Park Slope, Brooklyn, NY, 718 622 3300, reduced admission! Tickets are now $10! NEXT Concert of the 2011-2012 season Saturday, November 5, 2011 at 8:00 PM MICHAEL FORMANEK—Solo bass plus WORKS featuring special guest, MICHAEL FORMANEK Michel Gentile—flute Daniel Kelly—piano Michael Formanek—bass

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Performance / Tour

Brooklyn Jazz Wide Open Continues @ Littlefield - Michael Formanek Quartet & Works

Brooklyn Jazz Wide Open Continues @ Littlefield - Michael Formanek Quartet & Works

Source: Jason Byrne, Red Cat Publicity

CONNECTION WORKS PRESENTS The 4th SEASON OF BROOKLYN JAZZ WIDE OPEN @ LITTLEFIELD— littlefieldnyc.com Littlefield is located at is located at 622 Degraw Street between 3rd and 4th Ave in Brooklyn, Tel 718 855 3388, $14 cover, $6 minimum NEXT CONCERT! Wednesday, February 9 @ 8:00 PM MICHAEL FORMANEK QUARTET Tim Berne—saxophones Craig Taborn—piano Michael Formanek—bass Gerald Cleaver—drums Immediately following ...

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Recording

Michael Formanek - The Rub and Spare Change (ECM, 2010)

Michael Formanek - The Rub and Spare Change (ECM, 2010)

Source: Music and More by Tim Niland

Bassist Michael Formanek is a well known presence on the creative music scene, but usually as a band member rather than a leader. ECM rectifies this situation by releasing this thoughtful and patient album, filled with excellent playing and composing. Joining Formanek are Tim Berne on alto saxophone, Craig Taborn on piano and Gerald Cleaver on drums. The music has a fascinating sense of haunted mystery about it beginning with “Twenty Three Neo" that builds from a noirish late night ...

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Interview

Jazz Bassist Michael Formanek Is Back After a Dozen Years Between Albums

Jazz Bassist Michael Formanek Is Back After a Dozen Years Between Albums

Source: All About Jazz @ Spinner

Several years ago, Michael Formanek was in the middle of a bass solo during a Bloodcount gig at the Knitting Factory's Old Office in Manhattan. Tim Berne, Chris Speed and Jim Black had all dropped out, leaving the bassist to carry on alone except for a young woman in the audience who was telling her friend a story. The 50-capacity room was tiny enough that everyone including Formanek could hear her go on. Finally, someone from the jazz etiquette police ...

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Recording

Michael Formanek Quartet - The Rub and Spare Change (2010)

Michael Formanek Quartet - The Rub and Spare Change (2010)

Source: Something Else!

By Pico It's been quite a while since the bassist and composer Michael Formanek has led a date but with his ECM debut The Rub And Spare Change, he's more than made up for lost time. Out since October 12, The Rub marks his return as a leader since the solo bass recording Am I Bothering You? from 1998. It's not like Formanek's been sitting around doing nothing, though. Michael Formanek has long ago established himself as a fixture among ...

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Interview

Interview: Michael Formanek

Interview: Michael Formanek

Source: Ars Nova Workshop

Bassist and composer Michael Formanek has worked with many leading North American and European jazz musicians over the span of his 35 year career, including Stan Getz, Marty Ehrlich, Evan Parker, Dave Burrell, and several ensembles with Tim Berne. His new quartet with altoist Berne, pianist Craig Taborn and drummer Gerald Cleaver premiered at The Stone in 2008 and just released their debut record, The Rub and Spare Change, on ECM. They’ll be playing Philadelphia for the first time on ...

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Performance / Tour

Evan Parker with Susan Alcorn and Michael Formanek at The WindUp Space in Bailtimore on April 18th

Evan Parker with Susan Alcorn and Michael Formanek at The WindUp Space in Bailtimore on April 18th

Source: Michael Ricci

CREATIVE DIFFERENCES presents EVAN PARKER - solo saxophone plus SUSAN ALCORN - pedal steel guitar MICHAEL FORMANEK - double bass EVAN PARKER - saxophones SUNDAY APRIL 18 AT 6PM @ The WindUp Space 12 W.North Ave Baltimore MD thewindupspace.com 410 244 8855 THIS CONCERT WILL BEGIN AT 6PM. DOORS OPEN AT 5PM Admission is $10 on the door Evan Parker is widely regarding as ...

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Performance / Tour

FAUX FAUX with Baikida Carroll, Tim Berne, Tom Rainey and Michael Formanek at The Cinema in Philadelphia, July 30

FAUX FAUX with Baikida Carroll, Tim Berne, Tom Rainey and Michael Formanek at The Cinema in Philadelphia, July 30

Source: All About Jazz

Ars Nova Workshop presents: Sunday, July 30 | 8pm FAUX FAUX with Baikida Carroll, trumpet; Tim Berne, alto saxophone; Tom Rainey, drums; Michael Formanek, double-bass The Cinema, 3925 Walnut Street | $12 General Admission Based in St. Louis, trumpeter/composer Baikida Carroll became a major figure in the Black Artists Group (BAG) in the 1970's. He appeared as featured soloist on Julius Hemphill's first two albums, “Dogon AD" and “Coon Bid'ness", on Oliver Lake's first album, “NTU," ...

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Event

Michael Formanek Trio to Perform at Vermont Jazz Center on May 31, 2002

Michael Formanek Trio to Perform at Vermont Jazz Center on May 31, 2002

Source: All About Jazz

On Friday, May 31st at 8:00 PM, Michael Formanek will present his trio at the Vermont Jazz Center in Brattleboro, VT. Michael Formanek is known best in Southern Vermont for his contributions as staff bassist and monthly instructor at the Vermont Jazz Center. But in the jazz world, Formanek is regarded with tremendous esteem as an uncompromising bassist whose taste, impeccable sense of time, and dedication to creativity are indisputable. This has been proven by the jazz giants who have ...

“…a true virtuoso bassist” —Pulse

“the formidable American bass-player Michael Formanek’s solo set ranks with the great solo bass performances.” —The Guardian

“…deep propulsion, big beefy tone, a strong sense of line, individuality expressed through avoiding the expected.” —Village Voice

“Mr. Formanek, on bass, has solid intonation, riffing hard and engaging horns and drums in genuinely melodic counterpoint.” —New York Times

“Formanek is a musician first: his wonderful technique is always subjugated to the higher goal of making interesting art…Formanek is riveting.” —Cadence

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Photos

Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

Visiones

Self Produced
2024

buy

Un Ruido De Agua

Clean Feed Records
2024

buy

Tone Stories

Fresh Sound Records
2024

buy

The Last Quiet Place

Pyroclastic Records
2023

buy

As Things Do

Intakt Records
2023

buy

Schoenberg on the...

Little (i) Music
2023

buy

When You Wish Upon a Star

From: Tone Stories
By Michael Formanek

Anticipation

From: The Last Quiet Place
By Michael Formanek

Anticipation

From: The Last Quiet Place
By Michael Formanek

Just Me, Just Me

From: The Cave of Winds
By Michael Formanek

Pedernal

From: Pedernal
By Michael Formanek

Walls and Roses

From: Artlessly Falling
By Michael Formanek

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