Jazz Pianist & Composer Michael Wolff Set for Retrospective Hosted by Comedian Lewis Black

Acclaimed jazz pianist/composer Michael Wolff has confirmed one of his biggest concerts in years for March 12th at the West Bank Café in NYC, hosted by comedian Lewis Black.

Wolff recalls, "I met Lewis in the 80's when he was running the downstairs at the West Bank. I was performing there with a singer, and during a break, I did a quick and humorous musical piece on piano that the audience had a really good time with. Lewis thought I was funny, and he invited me to perform again at their Saturday midnight free show...where I learned to be funnier. I remember it as one of those times where I found my 'voice' onstage - and an upbeat way to connect with my audiencE. Lewis and I have been friends ever since."

The show will feature an array of top musicians, and will feature a combination of material from Wolff's releases with Impure Thoughts as well as Wolff & Clark Expedition. Wolff plans a mix of solo piano, piano duos with bass, sax, Tablas and more. He will also preview tracks from his upcoming solo piano album, 'Zenith'. Additional details about the album will be announced soon.

IF YOU GO:
An Evening with Pianist/Composer Michael Wolff
Hosted by Comedian Lewis Black
West Bank Cafe
Sunday, March 12
7 pm, One show
web.ovationtix.com/trs/pe.c/10142419

Featuring:
Badal Roy tablas
Alex Foster Sax
Mike Clark drums
Victor Jones drums
Ben Allison Bass
Mino Cinelu Percussion

Performance will include a mix of solo piano, piano duos with bass, sax, Tablas and more. Featuring music from Impure Thoughts, Wolff & Clark Expedition. Premieres of solo piano songs from Wolff's upcoming album, 'Zenith'.

In other live performance news, Wolff will perform at Snug Harbor in New Orleans for two nights, March 3rd and 4th, joined by Mike Clark, and will also perform on the West Coast in May. More touring news here.

Michael Wolff is an internationally acclaimed pianist, composer and bandleader. He made his recording debut in 1972 with Cal Tjader, and went on to record and perform with Cannonball and Nat Adderley, Nancy Wilson, Sonny Rollins, Tony Williams, Warren Zevon, Jean-Luc Ponty and many others. As pianist and music director for jazz singer Nancy Wilson, Michael wrote orchestral arrangements and conducted more than twenty-five major symphony orchestras worldwide. From 1989 to 1994, Michael Garnered notoriety as the Musical Director for the Arsenio Hall Show, which gave him the opportunity to perform with established artists such as Ray Charles, Phil Collins, Whitney Houston, Patti LaBelle, Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock and saxophonist/President Bill Clinton. In addition to numerous sessions as a sideman, Michael Wolff has released twelve critically acclaimed albums as a leader, he was a recipient of the BMI Music Award for television composition and was also the winner of the "Gold Disc Award" in Japan for his album "Jumpstart," with Tony Williams and Christian McBride. He and his wife, actress/writer/director Polly Draper, produced an acclaimed feature film, "The Tic Code," featuring Gregory Hines, as well as "The Naked Brothers Band" movie. Their "Naked Brothers" effort spawned a long-running TV show featuring their award-winning actor/musician sons, Nat and Alex. Michael is currently the Chairman of the Board of the national Tourette Syndrome Association. Visit michaelwolff.com for more.