Critics in Europe and the US have hailed Wolfgang Schalk as “one the most talented jazz guitarists”. His hard-swinging, emotive compositions are in keeping with the patriarchal tradition of jazz guitarists. This highlights his status in the elite club today’s creative minds. Schalk is a guitarist who has impeccable technique. He can play both the electric and nylon-string guitars with great musicianship. Schalk recalls the sounds of revered fret-board masters Wes Montgomery and George Benson, Pat Martino, Pat Metheny and Pat Martino. He continues the tradition with dynamic music that expresses thoughtfulness and original artistic ability as an authentic jazz guitarist. Wolfgang Schalk’s Word of Ear is another example of his ability as a consummate guitar player, playing with deep soulfulness. The bi-coastal (NY/LA), jazz guitarist, Wolfgang Schalk, presents new music with an exhilarating band in the sequel to Wanted (Frame Up Music 2008.) It is music that speaks in a unique, yet familiar way. This contrasts with the term “word of mouth”. This is Word of Ear at its core. Schalk reiterates that jazz is one of the most profound art forms. These ideas are fully realized in the nine tracks of this recording. Wolfgang Schalk’s music has two main features: his drive for formal control and his melodic talents and skills as composer. His compositions are rich in contrasts and pleasantly complex. However, they are also resolutely intended to be narrative cantability, which creates fertile ground for expression with his fellow musicians. AllAboutJazz wrote: “Schalk is a master at improvisation and fits every structure with a catchy, hip melody. {If other musicians pick up on these tunes, every single one of them has the potential to become a jazz standard.” nnLeading his own bands, Schalk has recorded six albums as a leader with all original music.|These tunes can be picked up by other musicians and could become jazz standards.” Schalk has six albums to his credit as a leader, all of which feature original music.} His recordings have received praise from musicians, journalists and fans alike. In 2005, Wolfgang Schalk signed a record deal with Universal Music. In 2008, Schalk started his own label Frame Up Music. This was his first venture to produce music on his terms. Wolfgang Schalk has collaborated with a number of musicians including the 11-time Grammy-winning Michael Brecker and Andy McKee. In 2008, Schalk also founded Frame Up Music, which was primarily launched as a way for him to produce music on his own terms. Hank Bordowitz, a noted jazz writer, wrote that Wolfgang’s NY dedut featured “Michael Brecker’s finest blowing on tracks such as the title track.” Jazz.com says that “The Second Third Man” is a good example of the entire album. It’s improvised music that is original and performs well. Schalk and Brecker make a great pair as they take on a difficult and relentless head arrangement. This is a high-caliber chops fest, in the best tradition jazz-rock. Wolfgang Schalk traveled the uncompromising route from Graz, Vienna Austria to New York. Schalk continued to develop his style in New York City’s cosmopolitan urban heart and was able to establish himself in this stimulating, but difficult-to-survive environment. Schalk currently lives in Los Angeles, and travels between the coasts. Schalk was raised in an artistic family and began to explore music and visual art as a child. He built a drum set from scraps he found in his home at six years of age and played with his brother in the stable of his parents. Schalk began playing classical guitar at the age of 15. He got into jazz in art school. Schalk’s story goes beyond the “I started listening” story. He recalls that he brought jazz to his home. {“I grew up in a village where people did not get jazz at the time.” nnAfter a year of art school in Graz, Schalk realized he wanted to make music more than his desire to create visual art, so he dropped out of school to pursue a career in music.|”I was raised in a rural area that didn’t have jazz.” Schalk decided to pursue a career as a musician after completing a year at Graz art school.} Franz Posch, who introduced him to Harry Pepl, taught Schalk jazz guitar in Graz. Schalk said, “A lot” of the music he listened to in those days was modern. Wes Montgomery remains my hero. {I see him as the father of contemporary jazz guitar.” nn Schalk moved to Vienna from Graz in 1987, where he pursued studio work to perform with a wide variety of bands.|He is my hero.} Schalk didn’t just play music. He began writing songs as soon as he got his guitar. He formed his own bands in 1992 with the help of musicians such as Wolfgang Puschnig and Harry Sokal, Uli Rennert and Werner Feldgrill, Thomas Kugi and Paul Urbanek, Florian Bramboeck and Peter Herbert. Schalk’s first album, “The Be Hop Hip Bop,” came out in 1993 on the Austrian BMG-owned label West East Music. Schalk acknowledges that he’s still learning and that there are always things to do. He wants to create his own music. {“I don’t know if there’s anything really unique anymore, but I want to develop my language.”nn Wolfgang Schalk endorses handmade Strings by Thomastik-Infeld.|”I don’t know if there’s anything truly unique anymore but I want to create my language.” Wolfgang Schalk endorses Thomastik-Infeld’s handmade Strings.} from www.wolfgangschalk.com
