With his extensive artistic biography, Michael Formanek is one of the most outstanding figures in American jazz – As a composer, as a bassist in ensembles, and as a soloist. Although the bass often plays in the background, bassists write jazz history. So does Michael Formanek, who makes an impressive solo statement with Imperfect Measures (24 years after his first solo album).
About the creative process, Formanek writes: "I came to realize that for me, playing solo bass is much closer to a compositional process than a performance practice … Any structure inherent in a piece evolves in the moment, the product of the improvisation itself – as if one were building and traveling along a road simultaneously. The road only extends as far as we are in the moment, so there must be a total commitment to what is being created and constructed in real time, lest things quickly fall apart.“
The inspiring music is embedded in works by artist and illustrator Warren Linn, who created sketches during the recording process, developed them into collages/paintings, some of which are now featured in the CD package designed by Stephen Byram. A complete work of art!
1. Quickdraw
2. On the Skin
3. A Maze
4. Full Frontal
5. Airborne
6. Loop Back
7. Notice Moments
8. Wisp
9. The Stand
Michael Formanek: Bass
All compositions by Michael Formanek (Formtone Music BMI)
Recorded on September 10, 2017 at Heartwood Sound Studio, Baltimore, MD by Ben Frock
Mixed in August 2020 by Jake K. Leckie, Los Angeles, CA. Mastered in November 2020 by Nick Lloyd at Firehouse 12 New Haven, CT. Liner notes: Michael Formanek.
