Guitarist Wolfgang Muthspiel and Trio Reach A New Creative Peak On “Dance of the Elders”

“Dance of the Elders” showcases Muthspiel’s approach to jazz, which is heavily folk-induced but equally inspired by classical music. Available September 29 via ECM

Above photo credit – Nino Fernandez

“Dance of the Elders” features Wolfgang Muthspiel and his working trio of Scott Colley on bass and Brian Blade on drums. The album is the group’s follow-up to the much-lauded Angular Blues, which The Times called a “quietly impressive album” that highlights “Muthspiel’s fluidly melodic playing style“. Here Wolfgang’s successful stride continues, with his unique compositional signature on the one hand and particularly vibrant exchanges with his trio colleagues on the other. The guitarist’s own writing and approach to jazz is heavily folk-induced but equally inspired by classical music – both aspects are presented clearly throughout the album. Brian’s floating percussive injections and Scott’s nimble counterpoint on bass complement the guitarist’s acoustic and electric playing in fluid interplay over intricate polyrhythms and adventurous harmonic landscapes.

Dance of the Elders was mixed and completed at Studios La Buissonne in March 2023 by
Manfred Eicher with Wolfgang Muthspiel and Gérard de Haro.

In autumn 2023 Wolfgang and his trio will tour Dance of the Elders throughout Europe with
concerts in Bezau (October 13), Feldkirchen (October 14), Vienna (October 16), Basel
(October 18) Hamburg (October 21), Cologne (October 19), Berlin (October 10/11),
Mannheim (October 12), Brussels (October 17), Rotterdam (October 20), and Amsterdam
(October 22).

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