Michael Formanek

»The sound of Mary Halvorson’s guitar is absolutely unique with her flinty attack, a spidery finesse and a shiver of wobbly delay,« writes the New York Times about the highly acclaimed American guitarist. Marc Ribot and Mary Halvorson have already played together in many constellations – no wonder he has now invited her as a special guest to his »Reflektor« Festival at the Elbphilharmonie with her all-star trio Thumbscrew. Thumbscrew came about more or less by chance when bassist Michael Formanek filled in in a group with Mary Halvorson and drummer and vibraphone player Thomas Fujiwara over ten years ago and the three musicians discovered their special chemistry with each other. For their part, confessed jazz musicians and bandleaders Formanek and Fujiwara are much more than just accompanists for Halvorson. Thumbscrew functions as a collective, in which all members are equal and contribute to compositions in equal parts. The resulting sound captivates with fresh ideas, incredible precision, improvisations full of wit as well as clear compositions – and not least with deep, driving grooves. Music magazine The Wire writes: »Thumbscrew is one of the absolutely essential jazz ensembles of our age«.