WARREN WOLF

HISTORY OF THE VIBRAPHONE

Cellar Records

Warren Wolf, vibraphone; Alex Brown, piano/Fender Rhodes; Vicente Archer, bass; Carroll “CV” Dashiell III, drums; Tim Green, alto & soprano saxophones.

If you love the vibraphone the way I do, this is an album you will truly enjoy.  Multi-instrumentalist and composer, Warren Wolf brings his dynamic talent on the vibes to this project. The songs he includes trace the “History of the Vibraphone.”

On this album, Wolf pays homage to Terry Gibbs with the very first tune, “Bopstacle Course” and continues with tunes made popular and composed by vibe masters like Lionel Hampton, Milt Jackson, Bobby Hutcherson, Cal Tjader, Roy Ayers, Gray Burton, Bobby Samuels and Joe Locke.  Wolf’s deep love and serious study of the vibraphone makes him the perfect bandleader for this project.

“What I decided to do on this album is play material from some of the top players who’ve ever held a pair of mallets in their hands,” Wolf explains.

I love the Straight-ahead, hard bop arrangement of Bobby Hutcherson’s “Herzog” tune that gallops across my listening room like a Kentucky Derby prize winner. Wolf is dynamic and precise, all in the same moment. Tim Green’s alto saxophone flies and chases the groove. Alex Brown is noteworthy on piano, fingers racing across the keys and improvising wildly.  Carroll “CVG” Dashiell III holds the beat in place like super glue.  He knows just when to compliment these players and how to color the piece with excitement and dynamics on his trap drum set. This quintet is amazing. Every song is well played.  All who Wolf tributes are certainly worthy.

Warren Wolf’s meticulous selection and creative interpretation of music from legendary vibraphonists highlight his deep respect for the history of vibraphone in jazz. It also tributes those legendary artists who excelled on this unique instrument, making the vibraphone a respected instrument in the world of jazz expression. Warren Wolf is definitely keeping the legacy alive. This album will release to the public on Aug 23, 2024.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

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