Michael Janisch has established himself as a tireless creative force across the developing international spheres of contemporary improvised and experimental music. Based in London (originally from the USA), he successfully traverses this creative topography as electric & double bassist, composer, bandleader, producer, session musician and record label owner; and with an infectiously enthusiastic and influential spirit, he continues to energize and shape the current, bustling, international scene, giving rise to London Jazz's statement: "Contributions like Janisch's - both as bassist and as producer - to the musical life of our great city are beyond price."
His current cross-genre project as composer and bassist, Paradigm Shift - which ambitiously combines electro-acoustic, contemporary jazz, free improvisation, future-funk, multi-metered groove, punk and electronica - has seen the release of the eponymous, far-reaching double album (October 2015). This world-class sextet line-up of Paul Booth (reeds), Jason Palmer (trumpet), Leonardo Genovese (keys), Colin Stranahan (drums) and Alex Bonney (electronics/effects) has already garnered airplay on BBC Radio 6's Gilles Peterson Worldwide, JazzFM, NPR and WDR Radio, and continues to prompt glowing responses from the music industry and fans alike:
"Paradigm Shift is as exciting a jazz record as any from the last 10 years."
- ★★★★★ Jazz Journal
"Sheer dynamism" - ★★★★ All About Jazz
"Wide ranging, creative and thrilling, a superb achievement." - Jazz Views
"An electro-acoustic mix of dazzling improvisations, post-processed electronics, with unique and creative compositions." - URB Magazine
"Exceptional" - Musik Reviews
"Brilliant." - The Guardian
"A highlight of Janisch's eventful career to date."
- ★★★★ JazzWise Magazine
"Surely this double album is one of the truly successful works in this year within this genre." - Music an Sich
Paradigm Shift's extensive European touring schedule, too, has led to considerable and effusive feedback:
"Paradigm Shift, is a groove-centric ride in a souped-up engine. Its moving parts are clearly in all working order, shifting and flowing like they were built that way. The rhythm section of Janisch, drummer Colin Stranahan, and pianist Leo Genovese is outstanding." - NextBop
"A stellar international sextet... catch them if you can."
- ★★★★ The Jazz Mann
"A wealth of imaginative, engaging jazz has been produced by bands that expertly bridge the styles of free-flowing acoustic jazz and electronic styles, but Michael Janisch's Paradigm Shift must surely be one of the most accomplished." - The Jazz Breakfast
"Paradigm Shift finished off the night with a tour de force display of instrumental firepower that ranks alongside any jazz gig I've been to in the past, and I'm including some very big names in that list." - Mumble Music
"Michael Janisch is simply a monster player. His bass skills on both electric and acoustic seem monumental and at the same time, effortless." - What's On
