Michael Wolff & Mike Clark Form Wolff & Clark Expedition

Acclaimed jazz pianist Michael Wolff has confirmed new concerts in New Orleans and New York City, and both events will showcase and debut WOLFF & CLARK EXPEDITION, the new band he has formed with legendary drummer Mike Clark. The pair has played together for years, but it was Wolff's recent live album recording session at Vitello's in California that lead to the 'official' formation of their New Group.

The Snug Harbor concerts in New Orleans, November 25th and 26th, previewed music from the upcoming album (due in 2012) – Wolff comments: "We recorded our own versions of Cole Porter's 'What Is This Thing Called Love,' Joe Zawinul's 'Mercy Mercy Mercy,' Horace Silver's 'Song for my Father,' The O'Jays' 'For The Love of Money,' The Beatles' 'Come Together,' and some originals. We deconstructed these songs and performed them in our own way, featuring Mike Clark's funky drumming, mixed in with some soulful, bluesy jazz piano from me. Mike and I both played a little freer and wilder on this album, and will be playing like that at the Snug gigs. We're calling it JUMP JAZZ music."

For Wolff, the New Orleans shows were a homecoming and a chance to spend Thanksgiving with family members. Clark is also a New Orleans fixture, and has been featured on 'TREME' with Donald Harrison. For the Snug Harbor shows, Wolff & Clark Expedition were joined by local New Orleans bass player Chris Severin. Local jazz greats are expected to drop by as surprise guests as well. Visit http://snugjazz.com/site/ for more information.

In January, Wolff & Clark Expedition returns to New York City for concerts at Jazz Standard on January 24th and 25th. For these shows, the band will be joined by saxophonists Lennie Pickett and StEve Wilson, as well as by other acclaimed bass player James Genus. Visit http://jazzstandard.net/ for tickets and more information.

Wolff was honored to serve as Musical Director and a featured performer at WBGO's 11/2 Benefit event for Jimmy Heath and Tommy Lipuma, at the Allen Room at Lincoln Center, performing with Natalie Cole, Lizz Wright, Roy Hargrove, Joe Lovano, Antonio Hart, and others. Mike Clark and James Genus joined Wolff at the Benefit to form the house rhythm section for the evening.

The live album was recorded at Vitello's in Studio City, California on August 30th and 31st. Wolff was joined by the world-famous Mark Isham on trumpet, the legendary Mike Clark on drums, and by long-time band-mate John B. Williams on bass. The live engineer for the recording was the ageless Dan Wallin, a defining figure in the music and film industries, whose body of work and longevity is extraordinary. Here's a sampling: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0909163/. As for Mark Isham, along with achievements of Grammy, Emmy, and Clio awards, he has also received Academy, Grammy and Golden Globe nominations, and most recently received the ASCAP Henry Mancini award for Lifetime Achievement.

MIKE CLARK gained worldwide recognition as one of America's foremost jazz and funk drummers while playing with Herbie Hancock's group in the early 1970's. Mike became known as a major innovator through his incisive playing on Hancock's Thrust album, which garnered him an international cult following. Among the top sampled drummers of all time, Mr. Clark is featured regularly in leading industry publications, authored a bestselling book Funk Drumming: Innovative Grooves & Advanced Concepts, and is a former faculty member of Drummers Collective. At the core of his playing, Mike, a mainstream jazz drummer has become one of the most vital to sit behind a set. He's performed with jazz greats such as Herbie Hancock, Chet Baker, Bobby Hutcherson, Woody Shaw,Vince Guaraldi, Tony Bennett, Wayne Shorter, Mike Wolff, Christian McBride, Mose Allison and many illuminating etceteras too numerous to list. Mike has an extensive discography and touring schedule both as a sideman and leader. Notably his release Give The Drummer Some earning a rare four and a half stars in Downbeat, as was The Funk Stops Here, a joint effort with Hancock alumni Paul Jackson. His 2009 release Blueprints of Jazz, Vol. He was named one of the best recordings of the decade by Downbeat; followed by Carnival of Soul in 2010 which was nominated by the Independent Music Awards for the Best Jazz Album of the Year. A true original, Mike's work continues to delight and astound his fans around the world.

For more information visit http://www.michaelwolff.com/tour/index.php and http://www.mikeclarkmusic.com/.

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