Warren Wolf - Convergence album review: holding his own among the heavyweights

Convergence
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Artist: Warren Wolf
Genre: Jazz
Label: Mack Avenue

The name of Baltimore vibraphonist Warren Wolf may not be too well known, but the sidemen he has called on for his third release on well-funded US indy label Mack Avenue should ensure he doesn't remain so for much longer.

Produced by Wolf's mentor and regular employer, bassist Christian McBride, Convergence features a dream team band including pianist Brad Mehldau and drummer Jeff "Tain" Watts, with guitarist John Scofield guesting on two tracks.

The danger when you recruit such heavyweight sidemen, of course, is that they will eclipse you and indeed there are times when Wolf’s companions, particularly Mehldau, raise proceedings to another level, but at his best, the 36-year-old’s strong melodic sense and bravura technique mean he holds his own, just.

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Cormac Larkin

Cormac Larkin

Cormac Larkin, a contributor to The Irish Times, is a musician, writer and director