Freshest, most inspiring jazz/world/jamband around
10/21/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Michael Wolff's new CD, Impure Thoughts, is the freshest, most exciting new music to come along this year. It has a completely original sound-pulsing, throbbing, swirling, and moving-utilizing Wolff's unique piano style along with tablas, afro-cuban and brazilian percussion, saxophone and bass and drums. From the opening strains of the first tune, Eritrea, the band takes off like a world beat rocket,conjuring up feelings of India, Africa, and all exotic ports of call. Wolff's piano work bubbles, explodes, carresses, and stimulates with his own brand of harmonic colors, rhythmic drumming, and intensely beautiful melodies. He is obviously the most exciting jazz pianist of his time, and his work here will inspire other pianists to open themselves up to new ideas and sounds. The amazing interpretations of the Motown classic Papa Was A Rolling Stone, and Sly Stone's Thank You, are truly the modern day equivalent of Miles Davis' approach to the standards of his day. They groove hard, yet are mysterious and dark and sexy. These songs are mined for everything thrilling about them. Michael Wolff's own compositions are extraordinary in their successful combining of world and funky beats, sophisticated harmonies, and soaring melodies. From the dark recesses of Bengal, to the introspective grooving of the title track, Impure Thoughts, to the final celebratory and exhilirating sounds of Mama Tell Me, this music is a gift, a revelation, and an artistic triumph. There is no music and no musician more creative in the music world today. THe musicians in this band are legendary.Tabla player Badal Roy, from Mile Davis' On The Corner, also performs with Ornette Coleman and Pharoah Sanders; percussionists Frank Colon and Cafe de Silval, have both played with Wayne Shorter, Miles Davis, and Gato Barieri; John B Williams, bassist from Herbie Hancock, Dizzie Gillespie and Billy Cobham; drummer Victor Jones, who has worked with Stan Getz, Little Jimmy Scott, and Freddie Hubbard; and the legendary New York saxophonist Alex Foster, who has performed and recorded with Freddie Hubbard, McCoy Tyner, Jack DeJohnette, and currently plays in the Saturday Night Live band. This is a band of six of the most respected, creative, and imaginative musicians in the business. Just get this CD and enjoy the most inspiring music of the new millenium."
Pure Thoughts of Joy
Bob Biz | Los Angeles, CA United States | 12/08/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Michael Wolff continues to broaden his horizons with his latest release IMPURE THOUGHTS which features Wolff on acoustic piano, ex-Miles Davis tabla player BADAL ROY, Alex Foster on sax, Frank Colon on percussion, John B. Williams on bass and Victor Jones on drums. In the simplest terms, Impure Thoughts comes across as a collective of musicians stretching out and having a blast. From the propulsive version of the MILES DAVIS standard "IN A SILENT WAY" to the exotic Indian tones on "Eritrea" and "Euphoria" to the African infused swagger of "Bengal", you'll feel like you're on a mysterious jungle safari. And if spice is what you crave, "Mama Tell Me" incorporates a festive Latin / Cuban groove over which Wolff gets busy, but not too much so, as he slips back into the pocket and lets the band discover a new plane to graze upon. From there, the blood in your appendages keeps on flowing, as the band pulses and throbs through renditions of funk classics "Papa Was a Rolling Stone" and "Thank you For Lettin' me be Mice Elf". So, stop crowding your thoughts with impure notions and take a refreshing ride that reaches beyond and brings distinct worlds of music one step closer to FUSION PERFECTION."
Track Listings (8) - Disc #1