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Warren Wolf: Reincarnation
ByPaving the way for what's to come down the road, Baltimore radio personality Marcellus "Bassman" Shepard introduces the "new" Warren Wolf to us with the brief "Smooth Intro." Then it's off to the world of glee and groove on "For Ma," a dedication to Wolf's late mother. With foundational pocket-playing from church-reared drummer Carroll Dashiell III and jazz-fusion electric bass dynamo Richie Goods, tasteful contributions from pianist Brett Williams and a catchy melody courtesy of Wolf's mallets, the song, which nods to the Wolf family matriarch's love of Motown and vintage soul, is brimming with optimism.
Continuing down hybridized roads, Wolf lays claim to all that glistens and flows. There's "Vahbying," which relies heavily on a bounding vamp that offers welcome blowing room; "In The Heat of the Night," a steamy and sultry slow-joint with vocalist Imani-Grace Cooper and Shepardplus guest guitarist Mark Whitfieldupping the humidity factor; "The Struggle," a largely reflective nod to personal heartbreak; and the Isley Brothers' "For the Love of You," a number that looks romance square in the eyes.
Whether thinking fondly of his musical past, his mother's influence, his youngest children (on the touching "Sebastian and Zoë"), or life's blessings, love is paramount in Wolf's vision. It's the through line that makes Reincarnation a unified statement. Less muscle and more heart, this is Warren Wolf in his most tenderly expressive stance.
Track Listing
Smooth Intro; For Ma; Vahybing; In The Heat of the Night; The Struggle; For the Love of You; Sebastian and Zoë; Livin' The Good Life; Come And Dance With Me; Smooth Outro.
Personnel
Warren Wolf
vibraphoneAdditional Instrumentation
Brett Williams: Fender Rhodes (1, 4, 6, 7, 10), piano (2, 3, 5, 7-9); Richie Goods: electric bass (1-7, 10), upright bass (8); Mark Whitfield: guitar (4, 6); Carroll "CV" Dashiell III: drums, percussion (1-8, 10); Imani- Grace Cooper: vocals (4-8); Marcellus "Bassman" Shepard: vocals (1, 4, 7, 10).
Album information
Title: Reincarnation | Year Released: 2020 | Record Label: Mack Avenue Records
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