Thumbscrew: ‘Ours’ and ‘Theirs’

Cover (2)
Photo credit: Cuneiform Records
THUMBSCREW: 'Ours'

Cultivated on the stages of New York City experimental music venues such as Roulette, the Stone, and Knitting Factory, Thumbscrew is something of an all-star trio in the jazz world.

The group, featuring Mary Halvorson on guitar, Michael Formanek on bass, and Tomas Fujiwara on drums, splits their time between seemingly a million other projects, but the members never sound like musical strangers. The rapport is strong, and feels natural and effortless even during complex numbers like “Snarling Joys” and “Words that Rhyme with Spangle.”

Their approach to songwriting on Ours (Cuneiform Records) is that of a true collective, with three compositions offered up by each member. Western motifs dance with bop, math rock, Flamenco, and dreamy Americana, creating a work of art that is full of color and life. Halvorson’s signature pedal work adds a nice playful kind of energy to the music as well.

Thumbscrew’s other release, Theirs, provides a nice complement to Ours, as it is entirely comprised of covers rather than originals. They stay true to composers like Herbie Nichols, Jacob Do Bandolim, and Wayne Shorter while adding their own distinct flair to 10 tunes. ★★★★☆

 

Thumbscrew plays the Atlanta Jazz Fest. Sat., May 26. Free. 1:30 p.m.






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