Exceptional creativity, brilliant musicianship and compositional intensity are what bassist/composer Michael Janisch is all about. His new release is titled Purpose Built and it is just that, built with musical purpose. Something many recordings today miss the mark on. Joining Janisch on this recording are some first-class jazz players including Aaron Goldberg on piano, Mike Moreno on guitar, Patrick Cornelius on alto saxophone, and drummer Johnathan Blake among others.

From the opening track titled “Precisely Now” the energy of the recording is definite. Jim Hart’s vibraphone work on the opening cut show why this lonely instrument deserves more ears. This drives into the next track titled “Adelante” which with a keen ear to the mix shows the brilliance of Janisch as a bassist extraordinaire. His tight, creative and solid groove is all there.

The recording has Janisch also offering up several covers (which are arranged by him and his associates) including “Love is a Many Splendid Thing,” “Milestones,” “Blood Count” and the Coltrane classic “Moment’s Notice.” Entwined between these classics are some fantastic originals by Janisch “Shumshi,” Serenade of the Seas,” and “Sofa Stomp” to name a few. The recording is the complete package.

Purpose Built is a twelve-selection debut recording by one brilliant bassist/composer. I was not familiar with Janisch’s work as a sideman, but one listen to “Purpose Built” and you will know all there is to know about a young bassist/composer who I do hope never stops creating this great music we call jazz.

For more information on Michael Janisch go to:
www.michaeljanisch.com