MICHAEL WOLFF & IMPURE THOUGHTS
Intoxicate (Indianola Music Group)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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The second effort by pianist Michael Wolff's group Impure Thoughts, Intoxicate continues his reach beyond his straight-ahead background (he's a veteran of work with Sonny Rollins, Cal Tjader and Cannonball Adderly, among others) into a blend of jazz and world-beat that has caught on with jamband audiences as well as the jazz crowd. Five original tunes share space with Wayne Shorter's "Witchhunt," Lee Morgan's "Sidewinder" and Marvin Gaye's "Sexual Healing," but regardless of the source, the band takes ownership of the music with a distinctive style and impeccable performances.

In addition to Wolff's piano, Impure Thoughts features saxophonist Alex Foster (who currently leads the Mingus Big Band, as well), John B. Williams on bass and a triple threat percussion ensemble including Badal Roy on tablas, Victor Jones on drums and Frank Colon on percussion, Latin and otherwise. 8 string guitarist Charlie Hunter makes a guest appearance on "Sexual Healing" and Master T contributes a bonus remix of Wolff's composition "Witchhunt." It's an impressive aggregation, and the results are impressive, as well.

Strong grooves, original beats and virtuoso musicianship make Intoxicate an album worthy of the attention of fans of any sort of music.

Track List:

Badd Al * Witchhunt * Bells * Kempta * Sidewinder * Cool * Pandora's Box * Sexual Healing * Witchhunt (Remix)

© 2002 - Shaun Dale