Thumbscrew’s Latest Release Benefits From Residency

Thumbscrew: ConvallariaJazz trio Thumbscrew, featuring double bassist Michael Formanek, honed the music for its latest album, Convallaria, at the Pittsburgh residency program City of Asylum.

“I’ve done some composition residencies working on my own. But we were all there together, working on music every day, trying things out. I miss that from my younger days,” Formanek said of the residency spent with his bandmates, guitarist Mary Halvorson and drummer Tomas Fujwara. The fruits of their effort were recorded July 2-4, 2015 at Mr. Smalls Studio, also in Pittsburgh.

Here’s a taste of what they made — “Sampsonian Rhythms”:

Aside from his work with Thumbscrew, Formanek is also known for his quartet, as well as the Ensemble Kolossus and his past collaborations with Stan Getz, Gerry Mulligan, Fred Hersch and Freddie Hubbard.

Convallaria is available on CD and as a digital download (iTunes and Amazon MP3).

Convallaria Track List:

  1. Cleome
  2. Barn Fire Slum Brew
  3. Sampsonian Rhythms
  4. Trigger
  5. Screaming Piha
  6. Convallaria
  7. Tail of the Sad Dog
  8. The Cardinal and the Weathervane
  9. Danse Insensé
  10. Spring Ahead
  11. Inevitable

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