For the past three decades, bassist Michael Formanek has been building a formidable career on the melodic front lines of improvisational music.
Fantastically prolific, his work ranges from the more conventionally harmonic piano trios to large ensemble experimentation. For his house concert appearance on Saturday in the intimate Spacebomb Studios, he’s bringing an all-star New York City-based trio and new material emergent from a novel process.
According to the band’s website: “The music is based on a set of musical palindromes that started out as graphic scores and were then reinterpreted into conventional music notation. For live performances in 2022, their concerts will center around this set of compositions and will also feature a selection of pieces from their vast collective trove of varied repertoire.”
Online videos suggest a virtuosic, sharply-focused mix of scripted and spontaneous interaction. And, if that were not enough, the opening group, Brian Jones Quintet, features Richmond regulars, saxophonist J.C. Kuhl and Spacebomb house bassist Cameron Ralston, augmented with Butcher Brown keyboardist Devonne Harris and saxophonist/trumpeter Marcus Tenney.
Michael Formanek Drome Trio and Brian Jones Quintet perform at Spacebomb Studio on Saturday, March 19. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10-$20 and you can go here for more information.
Note: Masks required. Must present proof of COVID-19 vaccination or negative test within the last 72 hours at the door. Limited parking available in front and in back parking lot in spots marked with a red and white Spacebomb.
