Michael
Wolff
Indianola Music Group 7930185500-2
The cover of this CD, rather than showing some groovy abstract pattern or a
picturesque view of some pretty scene, simply features the sheet music to
the title tune. This gives one a good indication of the solid musical base
of piano player Michael Wolff. Aided by an excellent band, Wolff gave me a
lot to think about and absorb.
Eritrea, the first tune, sets the stage for the rest of the album,
with Wolff’s jazzy stylings contrasting with the earthy world-beat pulse
laid down by tabla player Badal Roy. Next is a fairly radical
reinterpretation of the Temptations’ classic Papa Was A Rolling
Stone. Bassist John Williams doesn’t stray too far from the ominous bass
line of the original, but Wolff and sax player Alex Foster get plenty of
room to roam from the song’s structure. The result is an interesting,
spacious piece of jazz/funk that almost qualifies as a new composition.
Euphoria doesn’t live up to its name, in my opinion, but
Bengal returns to the same world music territory as Eritrea,
with great results. The tabla and percussion are definitely quite strong on
this album and lend lots of flavor to the mix. Another unusual cover emerges
with Wolff’s version of Sly Stone’s Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf
Agin). As with the previous cover, this is a totally instrumental
version that retains some of the funky flavor of the original while mixing
in liberal doses of jazzy chord voicings and spacious arrangements.
In A Silent Way is one of the true classics of jazz, and Wolff and
company leave it pretty much as is. Saxophonist Alex Foster, who is
displayed prominently throughout the album, really knocked me out with his
round, powerful sound on this version. Strangely enough, the title track is
one of the weakest songs on the album, in my opinion. However, the closing
track Mama Tell Me left a very good taste in my mouth with its
soulful sound.
Wolff’s piano playing has an interesting sound, spare and economical,
although sometimes it comes too close to lounge jazz. His compositions are
interesting, although I much prefer the world beat of Bengal and Eritrea to
Euphoria and Impure Thoughts. By combining traditional piano jazz with
spirited percussion, Wolff has forged an interesting sound, and I would love
to check out this band in a small, smoky jazz club. Until then, this disc
will have to tide me over.
Published: 2001/05/21
by [email protected]
News
Archive- Big Thief Share “All Night All Day,” Second Single from ‘Double Infinity’
- Gov’t Mule Expand Back In The Saddle Tour, Reveal Halloween Plans
- Paul McCartney Teases 2025 Tour Dates
- Daniel Donato Covers the Grateful Dead with Members of Railroad Earth and Yonder Mountain String Band
- Healing Appalachia Fills Out 2025 Artist Lineup: Molly Tuttle, Remi Wolf, Lukas Nelson, Blackberry Smoke and More
- Sly & The Family Stone Preview Earliest Live Recording with Second Single “I Can’t Turn You Loose”
- Watch: Dave Matthews Band Bust Out “Steady As We Go” in Toronto
- Neko Case Unveils First Album in Seven Years with “Wreck”
Most Popular
- Phish Make Folsom Field Debut
- Kyle Hollingsworth Joins Taper’s Choice in Boulder
- Blues Traveler Return to Red Rocks with Spin Doctors and Gin Blossoms
- “Khruangbin for Deadheads”: Winderman, Colman & Kimock Drop Debut Single, Instrumental Take on Grateful Dead’s “Help on the Way/ Slipknot!”
- Mike Gordon Joins Jerry Garcia Symphonic Celebration for Bob Dylan and Eric Clapton Covers at Red Rocks
- Trey Anastasio Band Announce First Live Performance Since September 2024
- Phish Celebrate Independence Day with Top-Tier Shows in Boulder, Colo.
- Ozzy Osbourne Reunites with Black Sabbath’s Original Lineup for First Time in 20 Years During Star-Studded Final Concert in Birmingham
No Comments comments associated with this post