Wolfgang Schalk

Using his keen talent for musical invention, Wolfgang Schalk has garnered international acclaim as a gifted guitarist and composer. A guitarist with not only impeccable chops but one who plays with deep soulfulness and feeling, Wolfgang Schalk delivers his freshest recording to date with Wanted, further proving his artistic abilities while providing music that is relevant and thoroughly engaging. This artful blend of hard swinging and cool vibes is articulated through an outstanding new quartet.

A guitarist with not only impeccable chops but one who plays with deep soulfulness and feeling, Wolfgang Schalk delivers his freshest recording to date with Wanted, further proving his artistic abilities while providing music that is relevant and thoroughly engaging. This artful blend of hard swinging and cool vibes is articulated through an outstanding new quartet.

Wolfgang Schalk's distinct tone conveys tender warmth whether in high speeds in bebop, funky pieces, or tender ballads. Recalling the sounds of esteemed fret-board masters Wes Montgomery, George Benson, Pat Martino and Pat Metheny, Schalk expands on the tradition by playing dynamic music and exposes consummate skill and thoughtfulness as one of today's authentic jazz guitarists.

The main characteristics of Wolfgang Schalk's music is his drive to formal control on one hand and his melodic talent and skills as a composer on the other. His compositions are pleasantly complex, rich in contrasts, nevertheless resolutely intended in a narrative cantability that creates fertile room for expression with his musicians.

Leading his own bands, Schalk has recorded five CDs as a leader with all original music. His previous recordings: Rainbows in the Night (2002, West & East) and Space Messengers (2005, Universal / Emarcy) received enthusiastic praise from journalists, musical peers and fans alike. In 2005 Wolfgang Schalk signed a recording deal with Universal Music and in 2008 Schalk founded his own record label Frame Up Music.

Wolfgang Schalk has worked with an impressive lineup of notable musicians, including 11-time Grammy award-winning Michael Brecker, Dave Kikoski, Andy McKee, Ian Froman, Rick Margitza, Dave Carpenter, Marvin “Smitty” Smith, Geoffrey Keezer and John Beasley to name a few. Michael Brecker delivered some of his finest blowing on Wolfgang's NY debut ?The Second Third Man?, cutting loose on tracks like the album's title cut. Jazz.com writes: "The Second Third Man is indicative of the whole album. It is improvised music of originality and high performance. Schalk and Brecker are perfect foils...This is a high-caliber chops fest in the best tradition of the jazz-rock idiom."

Offical Site:

http://www.wolfgangschalk.com/