Michael Wolff - Memoir

After a miraculous triumph over a four year battle with a rare form of misdiagnosed Cancer that had him at death's door, internationally renowned pianist/composer Michael Wolff continues to celebrate his incredible recovery and life on "Memoir, " his first studio album in four years.

Wolff is known for playing with a Who's Who of jazz legends from Cal Tjader, Cannonball Adderly, and Sonny Rollins, to his mentor and friend, Bill Evans, to Herbie Hancock, Nancy Wilson, (he was also her musical director, ) Sheila E. , Christian McBride and so many more. In pop culture he's best known for his five-year run as the musical director and bandleader for Arsenio Hall on the star's award-winning, late night TV talk show. "Memoir" features Wolff in his trio with longtime collaborators bassist Ben Allison and drummer Allan Mednard, the 11-track collection is a deeply inspired compilation of new music and fresh interpretations of some of Wolff's favorite unreleased original compositions he decided to revisit.

True to it's title, "Memoir" is a rhythmically dynamic, yet simultaneously soulful exploration that showcases the rich, intricate quality of Wolff's playing and the musicianship of all three artists. With over 21 solo albums to his credit, "Memoir" is one of Wolff's most personal and significant records to date. "I wanted every note and song to resonate emotionally with the listener and reflect the journey of my experiences. This album conveys a feeling that's very personal and thoughtful, but still has great energy, " stated Wolff. That 'personal feeling' is expressed in several ballads reflective of Wolff's more contemplative playing and composition, most notably on the charming and seductive "Afternoon" written spontaneously at the piano while his wife, actress/writer/director Polly Draper was busy in the kitchen on a sunny New York afternoon. A melancholy feeling is also expressed in another reflective piece, (and the album's sole cover, ) "You've Changed. " Originally popularized by Billie Holiday, Wolff's interpretation evokes an emotional and tactile feeling, motivated by his memory of finally waking up after so long and beginning the process of exploring his inner self.

"My intention was to create an album that would be an important testament to my life and music. I wanted to make everything as meaningful as I could, not pushing for anything specific, but simply going with the feeling. With this material I was a musical explorer, able to find the melody within the melody, always at the mercy of inspiration.. " Wolff expressed.