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Posted On: October 28th 2026, 02:38 pm
Michael Formanek Quintet / Close Up / Wednesday, October 28
It’s a treat when the bassist touches back down on US soil to share some music. His switcheroo to a Portugal address has left longtime fans jonesing for the onstage blend of finesse and ferociousness that’s marked his work for decades. Of course, they can be tickled by his recordings, which this year means spending time with the superb New Digs (Intakt), a perfectly-titled record you’ll be seeing on some of the wiser “best of 2026” lists. Brokering deep whomp, nimble maneuvers, clever writing, and an intuitive group accord that keeps a mix of groove and swing in its sightlines, it brings lots of smarts to the table. Of course, that could describe a handful of Formanek efforts, and I’m assuming this quintet show at the LES club will have certain parallels. The leader has made hay with drummer Vinnie Sperrazza and saxophonist Chet Doxas in his beguiling Drome Trio—their rapport is grand. With pianist Jacob Sacks and trumpeter Jonathan Finlayson along for the ride, a broader sound with extra textural gambits will likely emerge. BTW, Formanek knows from piano outfits; his Elusion foursome and that mighty Taborn/Berne/Cleaver group are luminous prototypes. @nyc_close_up
It’s a treat when the bassist touches back down on US soil to share some music. His switcheroo to a Portugal address has left longtime fans jonesing for the onstage blend of finesse and ferociousness that’s marked his work for decades. Of course, they can be tickled by his recordings, which this year means spending time with the superb New Digs (Intakt), a perfectly-titled record you’ll be seeing on some of the wiser “best of 2026” lists. Brokering deep whomp, nimble maneuvers, clever writing, and an intuitive group accord that keeps a mix of groove and swing in its sightlines, it brings lots of smarts to the table. Of course, that could describe a handful of Formanek efforts, and I’m assuming this quintet show at the LES club will have certain parallels. The leader has made hay with drummer Vinnie Sperrazza and saxophonist Chet Doxas in his beguiling Drome Trio—their rapport is grand. With pianist Jacob Sacks and trumpeter Jonathan Finlayson along for the ride, a broader sound with extra textural gambits will likely emerge. BTW, Formanek knows from piano outfits; his Elusion foursome and that mighty Taborn/Berne/Cleaver group are luminous prototypes. @nyc_close_up
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