It seems that every generation there is a vibes/marimba p layer who defines the times. Warren Wolf seems to be competing with Stefon Harris for the current title for King of the Vibes. This album may be his strongest yet, putting together a team including Christian McBride/b, Brad Mehldau/p, John Scofield/g and Jeff “Tain” Watts/dr though a mix and match medley of tunes.
The whole band delivers a hip groove on the bluesy “Soul Sister” with Watt’s delivering some snap on the snare, while sharp corners cut close shaves on the driving “Havoc” that delivers some delicious changes in dynamics over the course of five minutes. In a quartet setting Wolf’s vibes glow luminously and Mehldau is crystalline on “”Four Stars From Heaven.”
Wolf also does some nice work on the marimba as well, cantering easily on “Montara,” creating an orange-hazy sunset on “A Prayer for the Christian Man” bouncing with McBride on the exotic “Knocks Me Off My Feet” and delivering a deeply intimate “Stardust/The Minute Waltz.” The mallets are in excellent form here.
Mack Avenue Jazz