WANTED /// NEW CD RELEASE

"Superb outing by Austrian guitarist is fueled by the forcefully swinging rhythm section of pianist Geoff Keezer, late bassist Dave Carpenter and drummer Marvin “Smitty” Smith. A decided Pat Metheny-Pat Martino influence on the burning title track, the mellow bossa “Monroe Street” and the frantic “A Hip Bop.”..." - Jazz Times (Bill Milkowski)

"Wanted" is a superlative album. A rarity, that speaks a very special, suggestive, lasting language in the transatlantic world of the jazz guitar." - Jazz Podium
(Alexander Schmitz--click to read the complete review in German)

"The combined musicianship of the quartet is a powerful force, skillfully exploring a set of progressive jazz originals penned by Schalk. Schalk's single-note lines, on both electric and acoustic guitar, evoke the pin-point precision style of Pat Martino with the acumen of Pat Metheny. With a stripped- down tone, the guitarist rips through the title track, "Monroe Street" and "W 46" with inventive phrasing, adhering to a traditional jazz guitar aesthetic, yet remaining void of cliche...exceptional release." - All About Jazz (John Barron)

"The band that Schalk has put together for his latest album "Wanted", is world class in every sense of the term...As well as being a strong composer and arranger Schalk delivers some very memorable solos...With “Wanted”, Schalk proves once again that some of the strongest and exciting voices in jazz guitar are coming from the other side of the Atlantic." – Just Jazz Guitar (Brandon Bernstein)

Austrian-born guitarist Wolfgang Schalk lists jazz legend Wes Montgomery as "my hero forever" in the liner notes of his new CD, "Wanted" (Frame Up), but he needn't have stated his admiration so explicitly. Montgomery's legacy emerges throughout the album in Schalk's make -it -look -easy swing and brisk, mellifluous lines. Philly's own Pat Martino, is another obvious forebear, as is Pat Metheny when Schalk goes for hollow-body rock and roll. But the younger axeman tailors the influences to his own ends rather than simply throwing on hand-me-downs. - Philadelphia Daily News (Critic's picks by Shaun Brady)

"Wanted is yet another wonderful album from guitarist Wolfgang Schalk...Schalk makes his acoustic speak. Each ringing note drips with feeling...This is very moving music played with a purpose, and further bolsters Schalk's well-deserved acclaim as guitarist and composer." - Jazz.com (Walter Kolosky -- RATING: 91/100)

"Never underestimating the power of swing, the quartet gives a clinic on its finer points—syncopation, symbiotic communication and soulful empathy. This is evidenced on the knotted tempo of the title song and "W 46" (a fitting dedication to Wes Montgomery) as Schalk's chorded runs and single note solos are equaled in intensity by Keezer's lightning keys, only to be mirrored in spots by Smitty's quick cymbal taps and Carpenter's walking bass. To say that the band is tight would be an understatement." - All About Jazz (Mark F. Turner)

"The electricity is palpable, as Schalk's fluid guitar works weaves around and over the remarkably kinetic drum work laid out by Smith. The intricate interplay between these four gentlemen is stunning. Be it on the highly energized opening title track, the Latin bop of "Monroe Street," or the assertive and aggressive "A Hip Bop," the music on Wanted is filled with supercharged emotion... This recording can be appreciated by fans of any of these instruments; there are enough lessons in these songs for a week of workshops." - All About Jazz - LA (George Harris)

"It is a terrific listening experience." - Fred Jung (All About Jazz / Down Beat Critics Poll)

"impressive spidery chops...Schalk can’t deny the Wes Montgomery influence in his playing but he’s no mere clone." - Cadence Magazine (Ken Weiss)

“Dave Carpenter -- eternity date June 24 2008”
Dave was one of the greatest acoustic and electric bass players on the planet and the nicest human being you can imagine. His warmth and spirit are memorable and his passing away is a tremendous and extremely sad loss but a huge enrichment for the other side. Quoting maestro Joe Zawinul, “whenever it’s going to happen it will be the birthday of my new life.” In a deep state of shock and sadness, I miss you buddy.--W.S.

.

"His soft tone recalls Wes Montgomery, but his lines are full of surprises and, of course, the tempos are awfully bright." - Los Angeles City Beat (Kirk Silsbee)

"The guitarist plays with warm, languid tone, but peels off quick licks that avoid predictability...the rhythm has gone through elastic transitions...that recall the flexibility of the 1960s Miles Davis Quintet." - Jazz Times (Mike Shanley)

"really explosive jazz...reminiscent of Pat Metheny’s hippest record session." - KJazz Radio, CA

Times rating: CRITIC'S CHOICE Quartet Austrian guitarist Schalk lists a pair of Pats - Martino and Metheny - as influences. And both of those disparate styles surface from time to time in his intriguing work. But Schalk's own orientation, which reaches from warm- toned melodic playing to free-style adventuring, are equally present. - Los Angeles Times (Don Heckman)

"With his soulful playing, Schalk is easily one of Europe's best guitarists." - Die Presse (sam)

"Wolfgang Schalk spotlighted compositions that were both arousing and engaging...As a player, Schalk was palatable and creative, while strongly influenced by Pat Martino's blistering and expressive methods,...Schalk's playing was the main focus and he placed away," - LA Jazz Scene (Chris Walker)

"Playing in a modern fluid style...Mr. Schalk, who is from Austria, is one of the best jazz guitarists on the US scene (he lives in the US)...Heartily recommended, and I've been playing jazz on the radio for 30 years." - John Motavalli- -WPKN Radio, CT

"If you can’t see Pat Metheny (with the exquisite Brad Mehldau) at Walt Disney Concert Hall on Friday, check out Austrian guitarist Wolfgang Schalk...His excellent Space Messengers combines great chops and some very sophisticated writing." - LA Weekly (Brick Wahl)