Warren Wolf - Converge (2016) [Official Digital Download 24/96]

For a follow-up to his superb sophomore release Wolfgang, rising star vibraphonist/composer Warren Wolf finds himself alongside some of the biggest names in modern jazz for Convergence, his stellar third outing on Mack Avenue Records. Along with bassist Christian McBride, the all-world rhythm section is rounded out by master drummer Jeff “Tain” Watts and esteemed pianist Brad Mehldau. Renowned guitarist John Scofield is a featured soloist on two tracks.

"As well as the schmoozers and sizzlers there are several pieces that reveal the more serious, devotional side of Wolf’s talent as a composer. `A Prayer for the Christian Man` is a modal threnody which starts quietly over an insistent but gentle vamp, gathering in intensity against a wash of cymbals and surging polyrhythmic drumming whilst the eleven-minute tone poem for quartet, `Four Stars from Heaven ` opens and closes with an ethereal glissando moving through several tempo changes and moods whilst featuring substantial solos from Wolf and Mehldau. As a showcase for Wolf’s accomplishments `Convergence` provides an excellent vehicle and for the listener an example of music making of a high order that will provide repeated pleasure, a worthy addition to the increasingly impressive Mack Avenue catalogue."

“The title of vibraphonist/multi-instrumentalist Warren Wolf is Convergence, a coordinated coming together of forces toward a single goal. In this case the forces are the formidable musicians that have come to take part in Wolf’s vision of music. The core band is made up of Wolf on vibes, marimba and pianos, Christian McBride on bass; Jeff “Tain” Watts on drums and pianist Brad Mehldau along with two songs that feature John Scofield’s soulful guitar work. Co-producer McBride wanted to bring the young lion of vibraphone into the spotlight and test his mettle by pairing him with this group of no nonsense talent. Wolf more than rose to the occasion, with the result a recording that combines grit, funk, swing, soul and outright beauty into one of the most satisfying albums of the year.”

Tracklist:

01. Soul Sister
02. Four Stars from Heaven
03. Kind of Two Fives
04. New Beginning
05. Cell Phone
06. Montara
07. Havoc
08. Tergiversation
09. Knocks Me off My Feet
10. A Prayer for the Christian Man
11. Stardust / The Minute Waltz

Personnel:

Warren Wolf - vibes, marimba (5, 6, 9, 10, 11), Fender Rhodes (2, 9), piano (9)
Christian McBride - bass (on tracks 1-3, 5-10)
Brad Mehldau - piano (on tracks 1, 2, 4, 5, 7)
John Scofield - guitar (on tracks 1, 7)
Jeff "Tain" Watts - drums (on tracks 1, 2, 5-10)



All thanks go to the original releaser