With his extensive artistic biography, Michael Formanek is one of the most outstanding figures in contemporary jazz – as a composer, as a bassist in ensembles, and as a soloist. In this formation, he brings together musicians who are among the most original and articulate voices in American and European jazz innovation. When Formanek envisioned this new ensemble, he started by asking the brilliant Alexander Hawkins to join him, with the specific plan to seat him behind a Hammond B3. He then summoned his long-time partners in Thumbscrew – Mary Halvorson and Tomas Fujiwara – then completed the mix with a triplet of adventurous horn players – John O’Gallagher, Chet Doxas and João Almeida. "From beginning to end, New Digs is a stunning display of Formanek’s engaging writing, exploring an array of different musical ambiences, often diving the group into small units that follow their own path – conscious of being in a bigger picture, but almost independent of each other", writes Gonçalo Frota in the liner notes and adds: "Imaginative and versatile as ever, this is Michael Formanek at the top of his game".

Cover art and graphic design: Stephen Byram
Photo Illustrations: Nancy Sacks
Photo: Sandra Eisner
Booklet design: Fiona Ryan
Liner notes: Gonçalo Frota

All compositions by Michael Formanek (Formtone Music BMI). Recorded on August 6 and 7, 2025 at Canoa Studios Ponte Do Rol, Torres Vedras, Portugal. Recording by Nelson Canoa. Mixing and Mastering by D. James Goodwin.

Produced by Michael Formanek and Intakt Records. Published by Intakt Records, P. O. Box, 8024 Zürich, Switzerland.