Throughout its history, jazz has been revitalized with a continual evolution of style, fresh transformations in expression, bold leaps into the free improvisational sphere of the unknown, and most importantly, the arrival of young artists who, while steeped in the past, have an eye to the future of the idiom. Jazz aficionados welcome the dawning of the next generations of talented musicians who boldly stride into progressive territory. Among the most important young jazz stars in that vein is vibraphonist Warren Wolf who delivers his remarkable sophomore album, Wolfgang, on Mack Avenue Records. Wolf, a multi-instrumentalist who has also honed his chops on drums and piano since age three, is also following in the footsteps of vibes masters Bobby Hutcherson and Stefon Harris by becoming a member of the SFJAZZ Collective (both of whom precede him in the vibes chair).

Wolfgang, available now, features two different three-man rhythm sections (pianist Benny Green, bassist Christian McBride, drummer Lewis Nash; and pianist Aaron Goldberg, bassist Kris Funn, drummer Billy Williams Jr.) as well as two noteworthy duo pieces with pianist/label-mate Aaron Diehl. Wolf and Diehl are both building their careers as young (each under age 35) musicians keeping the jazz tradition alive. One track, "Setembro," also features vocalist Darryl Tookes.

Comprising nine tunes (six of which are originals), Wolfgang spotlights Wolf taking a different, more laid-back take than his volcanic eponymous debut album on Mack Avenue. "The last record was a means of introducing myself as a leader," says the 33-year-old Baltimore-based vibraphonist. "This time I set out to showcase my writing skills with compositions that have melodies people can remember."

On his first album, which was produced by mentor/label-mate McBride (who Wolf has been performing with since 2007 after the pair met at Jazz Aspen seven years before that), Wolf placed himself in the context of a quintet and sextet (with saxophonist Tim Green and, on two tracks, trumpeter Jeremy Pelt). This time out he largely focuses on the quartet setting. "I wanted to display the beauty of the vibes," he says. "In a quintet, you're limited. With a quartet, you can hear me more. A lot of times the vibes is played in support of others. I'm showing here that I can hold the ball by myself." Wolfgang sets out to showcase Wolf's classical and blues influences, as well as his compositions.

A smart, fun, blues-to-swing-to-classical collection of indelible melodies, Wolfgang ups the ante in Wolf's young career. Even though he's still developing his voice and his vision (he says he has several new projects he's thinking of), he has been given high praise, including from Blue Note Records' Chairman Emeritus, Bruce Lundvall. When asked about whom Lundvall is impressed with on the scene today, the legendary label chief immediately responded: Warren Wolf. "Warren is very different," he said. "He has a sense of swing and a percussive style. He has great dynamics, excellent compositions and is very exciting." He called Wolf's deal with Mack Avenue to be a very important signing.

Upcoming Warren Wolf Appearances:

 

Warren Wolf's WOLFPACK

 

Warren Wolf w/ Christian McBride + Inside Straight 

December 26 - January 1 / Umbria Jazz Festival / Umbria, Italy

 

Warren Wolf w/ Aaron Diehl

August 25 / Charlie Parker Jazz Festival / New York, NY

September 3 / Detroit Jazz Festival / Detroit, MI

December 26 - January 1 / Umbria Jazz Festival / Umbria, Italy

 

Miscellaneous Warren Wolf Performances

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