Rolling Stone Germany

14.12.2016,

Wolfgang Muthspiel RISING GRACE

Interessante Band, die der elegant erfindungsreiche österreichische Gitarrist hier um sich schart. Mit Brad Mehltau am Klavier hat er den derzeit größten Klavierstar und mit Ambrose Akinmusire an der Trompete einen der strahlendsten Jungen mit dabei – beide unterstreichen nachdrücklich, warum das so ist. Und beide sind übrigens keine ECM-Musiker. Ein bisschen geschmäcklerisch liegen die Dinge schon. Dies jedoch auf einnehmende, warme und auch kluge Weise und gewohnt vom ECM-Chef Manfred Eicher selbst produziert. Man hat sich hörbar wohlgefühlt, so leicht geht den Künstlern das Zusammenspiel von der Hand, so beiläufig lässig geraten sie ins Silieren – meist schieben sie sich eher Parts zu, korrespondieren, führen weiter. Sehr melodisch, aber elegant und flüssig sind die Tracks mit den coolen, offenen Grovves mir die liebsten.

Markus Schneider

Angular Blues

23.04.2021

They grow up so fast. It seems like just yesterday that a wave of compelling young jazz guitarists—Liberty Ellman, Kurt Rosenwinkel, and Wolfgang Muthspiel among them – was bringing new life to the instrument. Now those players are middle-aged, with a new crop of nimble plectrists snapping at their heels. But Muthspiel’s “Angular Blues” proves that gifted improvisers can hit their stride in their autumn years. He doesn’t let his agile fingers do all the thinking for him: his lines breathe rather than pant, particularly on the first three tracks, which feature acoustic guitar. Partnered with two receptive players—the drummer Brian Blade and the bassist Scott Colley—Muthspiel demonstrates his artistic maturity, but he still finds moments to loosen the reins, as on the aptly tided “Ride.”

Steve Futterman (New Yorker)

Angular Blues

23. April 2021
They grow up so fast. It seems like just yesterday that a wave of compelling young jazz guitarists—Liberty Ellman, Kurt Rosenwinkel, and Wolfgang Muthspiel among them – was bringing new life to the instrument. Now those players are middle-aged, with a new crop of nimble plectrists snapping at their heels. But Muthspiel’s “Angular Blues” proves that gifted improvisers can hit their stride in their autumn years. He doesn’t let his agile fingers do all the thinking for him: his lines breathe rather than pant, particularly on the first three tracks, which feature acoustic guitar. Partnered with two receptive players—the drummer Brian Blade and the bassist Scott Colley—Muthspiel demonstrates his artistic maturity, but he still finds moments to loosen the reins, as on the aptly tided “Ride.”
Steve Futterman (New Yorker)

Angular Blues

23. April 2021
They grow up so fast. It seems like just yesterday that a wave of compelling young jazz guitarists—Liberty Ellman, Kurt Rosenwinkel, and Wolfgang Muthspiel among them – was bringing new life to the instrument. Now those players are middle-aged, with a new crop of nimble plectrists snapping at their heels. But Muthspiel’s “Angular Blues” proves that gifted improvisers can hit their stride in their autumn years. He doesn’t let his agile fingers do all the thinking for him: his lines breathe rather than pant, particularly on the first three tracks, which feature acoustic guitar. Partnered with two receptive players—the drummer Brian Blade and the bassist Scott Colley—Muthspiel demonstrates his artistic maturity, but he still finds moments to loosen the reins, as on the aptly tided “Ride.”
Steve Futterman (New Yorker)

Angular Blues

28.04.2020

There is so much to commend Wolfgang Muthspiel latest recording Angular Blues: the beautiful textures created by its guitar, bass and drums sonority; the outstanding quality of the musicianship on display; the interesting original compositions which bring forth reflective and introspective improvisations; the unique musical personalities of Wolfgang, bassist Scott Colley and drummer Brian Blade, all of whom are respectful of the Jazz tradition while, at the same time, bringing forth their own unique, individual voices.

It’s rare that a recording comes fully formed in terms of the excellence of its music, the musicians who perform it and the audio aura that captures it. Angular Blues is one of these singular occasions and Manfred Eicher should be rightfully pleased and proud of his production.

 

Steven Cerra (Jazz Profiles)