And that’s exactly what Wolf had in mind. “I decided to create this record because I want to reach out to people across the world,” he says. “I want them to hear jazz but with a twist — without any elements of surprise, without having to think too hard when listening. The album is meant for people to sit back and have fun.”

That vibe comes honestly. Drawing from the energy of his father’s gigging bands and growing up surrounded by R&B and soul in Baltimore, Wolf leans into melody, pocket, and accessibility here. Wolf tracked most of the instruments – vibraphone, marimba, drums, piano, Fender Rhodes, B3 organ, even vocals and sampled elements – right in his home studio using Logic Pro X, shaping each track from the ground up before bringing in collaborators like Brandon Lane (electric bass), Brent Birckhead (alto saxophone, flute), Terence Cunningham (organ), Elan Troutman (soprano saxophone), and Imani-Grace Cooper (vocals). You can hear that personal touch throughout. And when one person is responsible for shaping nearly every part, it’s no surprise the groove feels this locked in. It’s polished, but it never loses that warm, lived-in feel.

One of the standout moments is his take on the Brecker Brothers classic, “Some Skunk Funk.” Wolf keeps the kinetic energy of the original intact while giving it a groove-forward edge that stands apart from some of the album’s more relaxing moments. It’s also one of several covers on the album, alongside classics like “Take Five,” “Sun Goddess” and “Yesterday.”

Smoove Vibes lives up to its name in the best way possible—an enjoyable listen that achieves exactly what Wolf set out to do: letting listeners sit back and have fun. It’s available April 24.

The post Warren Wolf – Smoove Vibes appeared first on ContemporaryJazz.com.

Baltimore native Warren Wolf began his musical journey at age three, studying under his father. Classically trained on the vibraphone, marimba, drums, and piano, Wolf attended the Baltimore School for the Arts and Berklee College of Music. After becoming a prominent figure in Boston’s music scene and a professor at Berklee, Wolf launched an international jazz career, notably collaborating with Christian McBride. His 2023 release Chano Pozo: Origins earned kudos, showcasing his multi-instrumental talents. With History of the Vibraphone, Wolf returns to his primary instrument, the vibraphone.

I encountered this recording while listening to random new jazz music and I heard Wolf’s nice rendition of “Spring High.” “Spring High” is a great Dave Samuels composition from Dave’s Natural Selection recording (1991, GRP Records). Samuels was Wolf’s former teacher at Berklee College of Music. “He was probably one of the most famous vibraphone players in the 1980s with the fusion jazz group Spyro Gyra” says Wolf.

I’ve spent time with History of the Vibraphone, and it has been a rewarding experience. While I’m familiar with most of the artists Wolf honors, his interpretations inspire me to dive deeper into their music. Wolf has a knack for selecting pieces that both celebrate the past and spark curiosity about the history of the vibraphone.

His band is tight, with Tim Green (saxophone), Alex Brown (piano), Vicente Archer (bass), and Carroll “CV” Dashiell III (drums). You can really hear them tear it up on Wolf’s original composition  “I See You Baby Lookin at Me.” I hope I get to experience this track live someday.

Whether you’re well-versed in vibraphone lore or just beginning to explore it, History of the Vibraphone is a joy to listen to.

The post Warren Wolf – History of the Vibraphone appeared first on ContemporaryJazz.com.

1. David Benoit and Russ Freeman, The Benoit/Freeman Project
2. Nelson Rangell, Yes Then Yes
3. Tom Scott, Reed My Lips
4. Richard Smith, From My Window
5. Torcuato Mariano, Paradise Station
6. Marcus Miller, The Sun Don’t Lie
7. Yellowjackets, Run for Your Life
8. Fourplay, Between the Sheets
9. Gary Burton/Rebecca Parris, It’s Another Day
10. Charles Michael Brotman, Pacific Rendezvous

The post Top Contemporary Jazz Feb. 13, 1994: The Benoit/Freeman Project appeared first on ContemporaryJazz.com.