Michael Wolff Releases New Jazz Album JOE'S STRUT 2/10

Pianist Michael Wolff delivers his "most accomplished, nuanced and forthright jazz album to date," with the February 10, 2009 release of 'Joe's Strut' on Wrong Records. The upcoming CD, Wolff's first new recording of straight-ahead, original, instrumental jazz since 2004's acclaimed 'Dangerous Vision', marks a defining moment in a storied career – a moment in which Wolff seems completely at home in his own skin. Hear a sampling of the upcoming CD by clicking HERE.
 
On 'Joe's Strut,' Wolff's rich history of collaboration with such venerable artists as Cannonball Adderley, Nancy Wilson, Cal Tjader, Thad Jones-Mel Lewis Orchestra, Sonny Rollins, Wayne Shorter, Tony Williams, Christian McBride (and many others) embraces a new face, as Special Guest saxophonist Steve Wilson is invited into the studio for some brilliant horn contributions. The CD also features Wolff's regular trio: Rich Goods and Chip Jackson (both of whom share the bass chair,) and drummer Victor Jones.  Ian Young also makes an appearance as Special Guest on tenor sax.
 
This is a subtle, mature record, which features five original tracks by Wolff, out of seven overall. "We went down into the cave of jazz and improvisation," comments Wolff, and the results are evident in the soulful songs. Of the infectious, uptempo title track, Wolff says, "This song was written for the memory of the great composer and keyboardist Joe Zawinul, who was a friend of mind since I joined Cannonball Adderley's band in 1975….He formed the groundbreaking WEATHER REPORT, and changed jazz forever, along with Miles and a few others who were experimenting with mixing rock and world music into jazz."

A U.S. Tour will be announced soon, in support of 'Joe's Strut'. As part of the upcoming tour, The Michael Wolff Trio will perform Feb 12 at The Athenaeum Music & Arts Library in LaJolla, CA; Feb 14 at Smothers Theatre, Pepperdine University, Malibu, CA; and Feb 15 at Bach, Dancing & Dynamite Society, Half Moon Bay, CA, and at the Florence Gould Theater in San Francisco (presented by SFJazz) June 13.  On April 21-26, 2009,Wolff will co-lead a quartet with Steve Wilson at The Village Vanguard in NYC. Joining them will be Chip Jackson on bass and Victor Lewis on drums. Other confirmed dates for 2009 will be announced soon.

Michael Wolff has garnered raves for his recent releases. JAZZIZ MAGAZINE has praised him as "a musical chameleon"; ALL ABOUT JAZZ raved: "Wolff has some of the most expansive vision of anyone working in jazz today"; THE VILLAGE VOICE described his recent instrumental album as "a strong reminder of just how playful a jazz trio can be..."; DOWNBEAT said: "Wolff and his colleagues play with a breezy synchronicity," and JAZZTIMES noted "The band's goal was to have fun -- All of us do."