Richard Fairhurst's 1998 album, Formic, is a captivating jazz fusion record that showcases the British pianist's exceptional talent. Released on the Babel Label, this 9-track album features Fairhurst's band, The Hungry Ants, comprising Tim Giles on drums, Tim Harries on bass, and Rob Townend on saxophones. With a duration of 43 minutes, Formic takes listeners on a musical journey through a diverse range of sounds and styles.
The album's tracklist, which includes 'Mandibles', 'Fetish', 'Whenever', 'Sludge', 'Farmers Arms', 'Daringly Poised', 'Growth in an Old Garden', 'Fish Magic', and 'Mandibles 2', demonstrates Fairhurst's mastery of keyboards, piano, and Hammond organ. As a renowned jazz pianist, Fairhurst's skills have been recognised with several awards, including the Daily Telegraph Young Jazz Pianist of the Year Award in 1994.
Formic is a testament to Fairhurst's innovative approach to jazz, blending avant-garde and fusion elements to create a unique sound. With its intricate instrumentation and complex compositions, this album is sure to appeal to fans of experimental and progressive jazz. As a rare and highly sought-after CD, Formic is a must-have for collectors and enthusiasts of Richard Fairhurst's work.