Michael Janisch **Cd Launch - Tribute To Lee Konitz**

Bassist Michael Janisch has been a leading figure on the London jazz scene since his arrival here a decade ago. His unorthodox technique is augmented by a remarkable improvisational ability while remaining warm and accessible, effortlessly moving into a more melodic and rhythmic approach. Also an accomplished composer, bandleader, producer, promoter and record label owner (Whirlwind Recordings), you would be hard pressed to find a more well-rounded musician, who includes work with such jazz greats as George Garzone, Roy Hargrove, Joe Locke, Dianne Reeves, Joe Lovano, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Kenny Wheeler, Stan Sulzmann and Lee Konitz. In 2010, legendary saxophonist Lee Konitz, a giant of the alto saxophone and one of the founders in the 1950’s of what became known as the “Cool School” of music (including appearing on Miles Davis’s classic recording ‘Birth of the Cool’) performed and recorded with Michael for two nights at the Pizza Express Jazz Club. It is this concert that forms the basis of the CD “First Meeting: Live in London Volume 1”, to be officially launched this evening in a performance dedicated to Lee, who is also, somewhat appropriately, a very old friend of the 606 Club. As would be expected, Michael has put together a stellar array of talent for this date, including vibrant Russian alto player Zhenya Strigalev who has become an artist of significant stature himself, collaborating with musicians such as Seb Rochford, Tom Cawley, Liam Noble, Eric Harland, Larry Grenadier as well as performing with his own band, Smiling Organizm, that includes megawatt American trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire. Also joining these guys on the bandstand tonight will be an All Star rhythm section including acclaimed guitarist Phil Robson (Partisans, Christine Tobin). In terms of contemporary jazz, this is as formidable a lineup as one will find anywhere, inspired by Lee Konitz, one of the foremost improvisers of the 20th century. Promises to be quite a night. Rouinding out the band is Colin Stranahan, who at the age of 28 has become one of the most in demand drummers in New York City and around the world. One of the winners of the 2012 Thelonious Monk Institite drum competition, Colin is currently touring with Kurt Rosenwinkel, Jonathan Kreisberg, Stranahan/Zaleski/Rosaro, Fred Hersch, and many more.

“Exceptional creativity, brilliant musicianship and compositional intensity are what bassist/composer Michael Janisch is all about" - Jazz Times;
“Michael Janisch is a commanding bassist, who brings a sinewy thrust to the ensemble with masterful agility.” Downbeat Magazine;
“Janisch seizes the instrument with a blend of speed and energy as if he wants to be melody, harmony and rhythm all at once.” The Telegraph