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 “a more direct connection to emotions: mine, theirs and the listener’s.” Hank Shteamer writes in the liner notes: "As 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 “A Fine Mess”; in Tony Malaby's ululating tenor cries on “The Soul Goodbye”; in Ches Smith’s raucous grooves on “That Was Then”; or the leader’s poised, sinewy lines on “Culture of None.” Elusive? Certainly. But as this album proves, under the right conditions, with the right personnel, it’s still out there."
credits
released October 19, 2018
Tony Malaby: Saxophone
Kris Davis: Piano
Michael Formanek: Bass, Composition
Ches Smith: Drums
All compositions by Michael Formanek.
Recorded February 14th, 2018, at Oktaven Audio, Mount Vernon, New York, USA, by Ryan Streber.
Mixed in April 2018 and mastered in July 2018 at Oktaven Audio by Ryan Streber.
Cover art: Heike Liss. Graphic design: Jonas Schoder.
Photos: John Rogers. Liner notes: Hank Shteamer.
Produced by Michael Formanek and Intakt Records, Patrik Landolt and Anja Illmaier. Published by Intakt Records.
supported by 18 fans who also own “Time Like This (24bit 96khz)”
Lehman's most emotional and most beautiful album to date. This album manages to be complex and extremely interesting to listen to while also feeling like a strong expression of emotion. Lehman's trio is incredible as usual, and they synergize perfectly with Craig Taborn. rat
supported by 17 fans who also own “Time Like This (24bit 96khz)”
Verisimilitude was at the top of my "Top Ten Records of 2017".
https://www.poisonpie.com/publishing/reviews/text/musicreview_2017.html
Can't wait for the vinyl version to arrive. Hebeloma Crustuliniforme