With a uniquely soulful and funky jazz sound, Michael Wolff has made himself a well-known pianist within the musical world.

This pianist’s social personality, love for music and true talent have enabled him to play the piano alongside many famous musicians in venues like New York’s Carnegie Hall and London’s Royal Albert Hall. Although he may not be a household name, Wolff has performed with some of the biggest stars in music, including Phil Collins, Ringo Starr, BB King, Whitney Houston and Sunny Rollins.

“I love doing music with other people,” said Wolff. “I prefer the interaction.”

Wolff first began his musical career at age 20, after dropping out of college, and never looked back. These days, the father of two performs his unique beats regularly and just released a jazz cover album titled Love and Destruction (Wrong Records, Oct. 3, 2006).

Wolff and two other musicians, John B. Williams on bass and Victor Jones on drums, recorded the album on a whim in 2002 during a one-day studio session. Five years later, the trio decided to release the album to the public. The project embodies the kind of spontaneity that Wolff loves.

“I like to think of my music as unconscious,” Wolff said. He added that he prefers playing a gig over studio sessions any day.

Born in Memphis, Tenn., and raised in Berkeley, Calif. during the revolutionary ’60s, this baby boomer oozes passion for what he does.

“Music is awesome. I get to build relationships with people all over the world,” said Wolff. Lately, Wolff has gotten to play at a lot of college campuses, where he’s noticed a resurgence in musical interest. Wolff says he loves getting to know the next generation of music fans.

“This [younger] audience wants something authentic and not corporate,” Wolff said. He believes more in talent than fame.
Over the span of his musical career, the pianist said he never saw fame as a goal. Instead, Wolff has focused on making his music expressive and encouraging other people to follow their own passions.

“Money was definitely not important,” Wolff said. “[However,] I did want other musicians’ approval.”

One of Wolff’s career highs was when his own musical hero, jazz legend Herbie Hancock, complimented Wolff’s music after a show at Carnegie Hall.

“I thought, ‘Wow, my favorite guy dug what I was doing,'” Wolff said.

Once Wolff was noticed by musicians that he idolized and respected, he felt successful-but the down-to-earth pianist never let the bright lights of fame phase him.

“Fame just for fame’s sake is not important. It’s kind of like empty calories, it just doesn’t stick around,” Wolff said.

These days, in addition to touring, Wolff produces a show on Nickelodeon titled “The Naked Brothers’ Band.” The show is a family affair, starring both of Wolff’s sons, 13-year-old Nat and 10-year-old Alex, and written by his wife, Polly Draper.

On the show, Wolff plays the boys’ quirky father and describes it as a fun new experience.

“Any art is a challenge, but it’s really fun to be on the set in a fake reality, playing around,” said Wolff.

Like a true father, Wolff can’t help but boast about his sons’ musical talent and ambition, and he proudly produced the Naked Brothers Band’s first album.

When he’s not touring, Wolff lives with his wife and sons in New York City, which the self-proclaimed extrovert loves for its social atmosphere.

“You walk around everywhere and get to know everyone,” said Wolff.

Wolff will be performing his creative jazz beats in St. Louis on Saturday, Feb. 23, at Sheldon Concert Hall.