Event

Thumbscrew Trio

Under the title Thumbscrew, three foremost voices of NYC's new jazz scene have come together to explore the crossroads of improvisation and composition. Comprised of Mary Halvorson (guitar), Michael Formanek (bass), and Tomas Fujiwara (drums), Thumbscrew functions as a vehicle to navigate both the modal complexities of jazz composition as well as the challenges of collective spontaneity.

Thumbscrew's sound originates from the interconnecting bonds its members have forged, playing in many and various formats over the years, such as composer/cornetist Taylor Ho Bynum's large groups as well as Anthony Braxton's experimental/compositional ensembles. Their 2014 self-titled release on Cunieform Records was described as "exploring open, undulating grooves through a frequent tightening and loosening of their interplay along serpentine lines" by Dusted Magazine.

Known for her unmistakable tone and approach to guitar playing, Mary Halvorson has been described by NPR Music as "A guitarist who sounds like no other, Halvorson can astound and confound, with craggy phrasing, strange pitch-bends and pedal effects galore".

A definite inspiration for bassist Michael Formanek's creativity and versatility would be the broad generational range of distinguished musicians with whom he has performed, from Stan Getz and Freddie Hubbard throughout the '70's-'80's, to Tim Berne and Marty Ehrlich during the '90's and beyond.

Drummer Tomas Fujiwara works with rhythm as a pliable substance, resulting in a versatility that allows him to be continually active in collaborations with many different emerging voices, such as Matana Roberts and Matt Mitchell.