The first notes of
Purpose Built's opening track draw attention, setting up a pleasurable jaunt into the world of Michael Janisch on this 30 year-old bassist's debut as a bandleader.
Born in the United States and now residing in London, England, Janisch is skilled at both the acoustic and the electric bass. He has performed with various jazz luminaries, including vibraphonist
Gary Burton, trumpeter
Roy Hargrove, pianist
Shirley Horn, and saxophonist
Joe Lovano. For his premiere release, he is accompanied by a varying ensemble of sidemen: pianist
Aaron Goldberg, vibraphonist
Jim Hart, trumpeter
Jason Palmer, tenor saxophonists
Paul Booth and
Walter Smith III, guitarists
Mike Moreno and Phil Robson, and alto saxophonist
Patrick Cornelius. Drummer
Johnathan Blake is the only musician other than Janisch to appear on all 12 tracks.
"Precisely Now" is an all-hands treat. With bass, drums, piano, and vibraphone providing the rhythm, Booth and Smith blend for an engaging melody. After the opening sequence, a tenor solo becomes a harmonious duet. The saxophones give way to Hart, with Janisch and Blake throwing down behind the vibes. Vibes and tenor enjoy a spirited call and response. Though the full ensemble is strong, the tenors are out front most of the way.
The classic "Love Is a Many Splendored Thing" showcases a straightforward trio, with Goldberg carrying the lead. During the pianist's middle solo, Janisch and Blake are thoroughly involvedeach in his own world while staying connected to Goldberg's.
"Serenade of the Seas" is one of the more ambitious tracks. Booth leads, backed subtly but effectively by Hart, Janisch, and Blake. The vibraphone solo is haunting, an effect complemented by Blake's mix of rim shots, tom rolls, and cymbals. Booth's solo is equally dramatic.
Purpose Built is a strong debut by Janisch. With eight original songs, he shows his strength as a composer instead of relying on remakes of standards, with the variable lineup showing some versatility.
Track Listing: Precisely Now; Adelante; Love is a Many Splendored Thing; Shumshi; Milestones; Serenade of the Seas; Pukl-n-Pappo; Sofa Stomp; Lost Creek; Blood Count; Beep; Moment's Notice.
Personnel: Michael Janisch: acoustic and electric bass; Paul Booth, Walter Smith III: tenor sax; Jim Hart: vibraphone; Jason Palmer: trumpet; Mike Moreno, Phil Robson: guitar; Aaron Goldberg: piano; Patrick Cornelius: alto sax; Johnathan Blake: drums.
Title: Purpose Built
| Year Released: 2010
| Record Label: Whirlwind Recordings Ltd