About his Capri release Live at Athenaeum Jazz

“He applies his fleet-fingered talents to a few out-of-the-ordinary choices of material that lend a freshness to the set, chief among them, Lewis’ “Dex-Mex,” Conte Candoli’s “Macedonia” and Sting’s “It’s Probably Me,” which gets an extended slow-groove workout here.  In all, yet another example of below-the-radar excellence.” — Steve Futterman, JazzTimes

“Scorcher – belongs in your permanent collection.  Brave and intelligent, but unable to resist pouncing at any playful moment, Wofford’s take on jazz is completely disarming.” — Chuck Graham, Tucson Citizen

“Pianist Wofford plays at the heart of mainstream jazz with a graceful touch and a fountain of beautifully executed ideas.”  — Jill McManus, The Star Ledger

“Wofford and company create a sumptuous, lyrical feast of surprise-filled standards and a pair of cleverly arranged, muscular, should-be-standards by Conte Candoli and Victor Lewis.  This is beautifully recorded, stunningly beautiful, mainstream jazz.” — Joseph Blake, Times Colonist  (Victoria, BC)

“One of the outstanding live releases of the year… a set of mostly hard bop that is at once swinging and cerebral.” — Ted Kane, azzReview.com

“New and Noteworthy CD” — Alexander Gelfand, Jazziz

“Throughout the album, Wofford shows a strong ability to burst loose with a creative right hand as well as playing in a reflective manner in ballad settings.” — Michael P. Gladstone, All About Jazz

“Playing at the top of their game, studio veteran and pianist Mike Wofford and his trio fly in under the radar with this excellent, engaging concert date… the trio’s clear, vibrant sound is superbly mixed and involving.” — Nick Bewsey, PrimeTime

“This live recording catches some of the enthusiasm of the audience and reflects a mature jazz pianist-arranger at the peak of his musical prowess.” — Norman Vickers, The Escambia Sun Press

“The resplendence of pianist Mike Wofford is captured in Live at Athenaeum Jazz… showcases Mike’s great talents.” — Roland Stone, Accent on Tampa Bay

“These three work beautifully together and, in doing so, structure each song with a sense of adventure and musicality… sparkling and irresistible, the leader and his men seeped in a radiant vitality.” — Jerry D’Souza, All About Jazz

“His sound reflects a classical touch and a huge technical proficiency mixed with a soulfulness and invention – a sort of cross between Bill Evans and Oscar Peterson.  And he sometimes dashes off zingy right-hand splashes that flow into pretty runs and rivulets of intricate notes; this skilled player doesn’t eschew playfulness... A top notch piano trio set!” — Dan McClenaghan, All About Jazz

“One of the top piano jazz trio albums of 2004… A CD that reaffirms the warmth of Wofford’s touch at the piano, the pulse of Peter Washington’s bass and the sizzle of Victor Lewis’ drumming… For Wofford’s originality of approach and intricacy of harmonic detail come through in an inviting performance that spurs the audience to repeated applause.” — Don Williamson, JazzReview.com

“**** Four stars… A live session recording in San Diego of one of the top jazz pianists today.” — John Henry, Audiophile Audition

“His timeless style is very mainstream, with Bill Evans as a major influence.  They both like to get a nice laid-back groove going and swing… highlights include a really fresh 5/4 treatment of ‘My Old Flame,’ Lewis’ ‘Dex-Mex’ and Conte Candoli’s bluesy ‘Macedonia.’” — Tony Hall, Jazzwise

 “Excellent collection of songs and a jazz trio that makes them come alive!” — Bob Morello, Boston Post-Gazette

“Wofford and company vary the pace and mood for an exciting live performance.  It’s well recorded on SACD.” — D. Oscar Groomes, O’s Place Jazz Newsletter