Michael Wolff Launches His New Project Impure Thoughts Amidst A Treasure Trove Of Exciting Endeavors

Many know pianist/composer Michael Wolff from his long, respected tenure as pianist for jazz legends such as Cannonball Adderley, Sonny Rollins, Cal Tjader and the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra. Then again there are others who first caught wind of this versatile performer in his five years as band leader on late night television with Arsenio Hall. Here he collaborated with the likes of Herbie Hancock, B.B. King, Al Green, Wayne Shorter, Bobby McFerrin and countless others. As a solo performers he has released four critically acclaimed straight ahead jazz recordings. But if today there is a Renaissance Man performing in the jazz idiom it is Wolff.

Composer/pianist Michael Wolff's latest project, Impure Thoughts, due October 10 from Indianola Music, brings to mind the seminal fusion of Miles Davis' In A Silent Way and On The Corner while turning up the deep funk of Sly Stone. In tandem with Indian, African, and Cuban textures these stellar musicians explore melodicism reminiscent of Debussy, Bartok and Stravinsky. The bands' live shows draw not only jazz fans, but world music aficianados and the young jam band fans who come out to spin to the deep grooves. Wolff will take the band out on the road across the US throughout the year.

Impure Thoughts follows hot on the heels of a couple of projects that for most artists would be more than enough to keep them busy and inspired. Premiering in late summer in Houston (July 27), New York City (July 31), and Los Angeles (August 2) with limited engagement to begin August 4 is the semi-autobigraphical feature film, The Tic Code, produced and scored by Michael Wolff. Starring Gregory Hines and Polly Draper (star of “thirtysomething" the actress wrote the screenplay and is married to Wolff) this is a heartrending story of a young 12-year-old piano prodigy with Tourette's Syndrome who befriends a jazz saxist played by Hines. The film has won numerous awards at international film festivals and Wolff's soundtrack for the film bows on Razor & Tie on August 8.

Later this year the documentary team of Lizzy and Janet Maya will put the finishing touches on a documentary film on Wolff's musical environs and the first play in ten years by renowned playwright Jules Feiffer will begin production. “Jules' Blues" features a score by Michael who also has a leading role.

Michael Wolff