Michael Formanek

5 STARS DOWNBEAT NOVEMBER 2010!!!!!!!

Tim Berne alto saxophone
Craig Taborn piano
Michael Formanek double-bass
Gerald Cleaver drums

Twenty Three Neo
The Rub And Spare Change
Inside The Box
Jack's Last Call
Tonal Suite
Too Big To Fail

ECM debut for Michael Formanek, whose formidable bass has propelled groups from the Mingus Big Band to Tim Berne’s Bloodcount and has backed artists as diverse as Chet Baker and Elvis Costello. A bandleader and composer in his own right, he is heard here with some highly-talented colleagues in an outgoing programme of his own pieces, whose unorthodox constructions set up strong solos and fiery group interaction.

Recorded June 2009