Mike Janisch Quintet
Mike Janisch continued a theme for Friday night of bands led by bass players. Janisch’s group, though, is a very different band from Eastwood’s. There’s certainly the instrumentation and feel of some of Dave Holland’s work. That, I think, reflects that vibes go so well with a sensitive rhythm section, and in Janisch and Clarence Penn you definitely get that. The vibes player, I should tell you is Jim Hart, and his nimble gently percussive playing was a real pleasure to listen to. There were also consistently imaginative performances from trumpeter Jason Palmer and saxophonist Paul Booth.
This intricate, intelligent music had the audience engrossed, and then enthusiastic in showing their appreciation for the soloists and their delight in each number. This is music of texture and subtle transitions, it builds gently from the quiet and small to wide and expansive, bold and assertive and tightly emotional. I was engrossed throughout.
Janisch really is worth listening to in both solo and supportive roles, he’s dexterous and technical, but always interested in communicating. He takes obvious delight in the reaction of the crowd, and the response tonight would make anyone beam. This is going to be one of the highlights I’ll remember for quite some while.
Tim Wall
