EP 413: Jazz Great Michael Wolff talks his new album MEMOIR and more!

The Dr. Ward Bond Show

Michael Wolff, a renowned jazz pianist, composer and bandleader known for his virtuoso performances and innovative style. After leaving music school early to join the Latin-jazz great Cal Yader’s band in the early ’70s, he spent the next two decades gigging and recording extensively. Michael can be heard on over 21 recordings with a veritable hall of fame ranging from Cannonball Adderley, Sonny Rollins, Nancy Wilson (he was her musical director), Sheila E, Christian McBride, Tony Williams, and more.

He has performed with and conducted over 25 symphony orchestras worldwide and also had a five-year tenure as the musical director of the high energy house band on Arsenio Hall’s groundbreaking late-night talk show. This journey led to him accompanying saxophonist and Presidential candidate Bill Clinton in 1992.

His newest album, MEMOIR is a stunning collection of 11 tracks, a mixture of moods, beautifully and elegantly played with his frequent trio partners, stellar musicians Alan Mednard, and Ben Allison.

His newest album release is especially noteworthy because it is miraculous he is alive after a brutal battle with a misdiagnosed form of cancer that had him at death's door. But he’s back making incredible music!

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