Michael Janisch Band featuring Walter Smith III, Eric Harland and James Francies

Michael Janisch photo: © BLACKHAMIMAGES

Michael Janisch electric and double basses
Walter Smith III tenor sax
James Francies piano and keys
Eric Harland drums

“Exceptional creativity, brilliant musicianship and compositional intensity are what bassist/composer Michael Janisch is all about.” Jazz Times Magazine

Bassist and producer Michael Janisch’s new band can rightfully be called a dream project. This part electric, part acoustic formation features American jazz heroes: tenor saxophonist Walter Smith III, piano wunderkind 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 their European tour 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 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 recognised 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.

6.30pm - Support - Matt Holmes Band (Eastside Jazz Club - free admission)
7.45pm - Main Show (The Bradshaw Hall)