Pianist and composer Michael Wolff—who beyond his acute abilities as a leader— has performed and/or recorded with an ace list of jazz artists including saxophonists Sonny Rollins and Cannonball Adderley, bassist Christian McBride and many more. He might be most widely recognized as leading the band for the now long-defunct late-night television program “The Arsenio Hall Show.”

On Memoir, a truly outstanding album, he’s teamed with extremely compatible and inventive musicians—bassist Ben Allison and drummer Allan Mednard, who move through a program of Wolff originals with seamless spirit. Only a fine rendition of “You’ve Changed,” made famous by the late great Billie Holiday, doesn’t come from Wolff’s pen.

Speaking of change, Wolff and his cohorts continually travel from romantic moods, of which there are many, to the bluesy “Left Out,” that opens the album. Allison’s bass is way out front with his strings vibrating on this number as Wolff elaborately celebrates the genre and adds a funky groove.

Dig “Zawinul,” dedicated to keyboard master Joe Zawinul, that with its genius and humor takes one around the musical world. Mednard beats his drums with determined gusto before the brilliantly innovative Wolff comes in and offers an almost Latin tinge. Yeah, you could dance to this one.

On the next cut, the soulful “Leland,” Wolff takes it to church with big chords from his left hand and bringing the melody and great elegance with his right. This tune offers a sense of familiarity, a sense of loving comfort and assurance.

Watch out for Mednard’s powerfully unusual drums opening “No Lo Contendre,” a selection which, again, suggests some funk. This go-getter soars with vibrant back-and-forth rhythmic conversations between the guys.

Michael Wolff’s Memoir is simply an excellent album. Bravo!