Bassist Michael Janisch’s new band can rightfully be called a dream project. This part electric, part acoustic formation features American jazz heroes that have conquered our stage more than once: tenor saxophonist Walter Smith III, piano discovery James Francies, and drum genius Eric Harland, all hailing from Houston, Texas. With compositions written by Janisch for each of these players, the music expects to be a hybrid blend of electro-acoustic sounds with soaring melodies over shifting rhythms. After this performance they will hit the studio, so grab your chance and experience them in this unique developmental phase.
Michael Janisch is a US-native who has lived in London, England for nearly two decades and in that time has established himself as a first-call electric and double bassist to the stars. He has also become an in-demand producer and owner of Whirlwind Recordings, an influential label in jazz and related musics. He has been recognized as virtuosic and masterful by the press, including The Guardian and Downbeat. He has collaborated with, among others, Joe Lovano, Mark Turner, Dianne Reeves, Kurt Rosenwinkel, and Lee Konitz.
Walter Smith III tenor sax, James Francies piano/keyboards, Michael Janisch electric/double bass, Eric Harland drums.