Label: Intakt Records, 2021
Personnel - Michael Formanek: double bass.
Michael Formanek is a a peerless genius of the rhythm, whose incredible technique and sublime ears made him one of the most respected bass players in the avant-garde jazz scene. Although he has played in all group formats, Imperfect Measures is just his second solo effort, succeeding to Am I Bothering You? (Screwgun, 1999).
Having structured this work cannily, the bassist enjoys all the freedom he wants, allowing the natural flow of his musical expression to move from track to track with inner logic. The artist/illustrator Warren Linn joined him in the recording session, creating sketches that evolved into collages/paintings that are partly featured in the CD package.
“Quickdraw” initiates this sonic journey with Formanek roaming through a fast, muscular pizzicato imbued with a thrilling melodic sense; this number is followed by “On the Skin”, which, easing up the pace, adds a dark and bluesy poignancy to the melody. The bassist completes the scenario with occasional intervals that help us situate within the harmonic context.
The excellent bowing skills brought to light on “A Maze” echo a sort of chant that becomes more ritualistic as it moves forward. Another conspicuous arco statement occurs in “Airborne”, where Formanek shows off a wide range of action and probes a multiphonic approach that intensifies the enigmatic nature of the moment.
Percussive and reverberating, “Full Frontal” is projected with crisp attacks and sonorous timbre, with some parts of the rhythm denoting rock influences that go perfectly well with the Eastern and folk impressions in the melody. Eastern undertones are also detected with plenty of chromatic wriggling on “Notice Moments”, a rhythmically interesting lament expressed with an instinctive sense of groove.
Formanek finishes off the album with “The Stand”, where a palpable riff becomes the object at the center, around which everything else revolves.
In its essence, it’s beside the point whether the inspiration comes from dance-rock or groove-centered jazz. Some dedication from the listeners will unlock any initial resistance involved in a solo bass storytelling of this nature. And the rewards will come.
Grade B+
Favorite Tracks:
02 - On the Skin ► 05 - Airborne ► 07 - Notice Moments