Wolfgang Muthspiel is a jazz guitarist from Austria who has gained an international reputation for stylish performances on his own recordings and as a sideman with several artists. His most recent albums have done well on the American charts; 'Travel Guide' (2013) with guitarists Ralph Towner and Slava Grigoryan reached number 16 on Billboard's Jazz Albums Chart, 'Driftwood' (2014) with bassist Larry Grenadier and drummer Brian Blade went to number 15 and 'Rising Grace' (2017) with Blade, Grenadier, trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire and pianist Brad Mehldau peaked at number nine.
Born in Judenberg in central Austria, he learned music as a child and won a scholarship to the Berklee College of Music in Boston. He toured as a member of the Gary Burton Band for two years and moved to New York where he made records with his brother, trombonist Christian Muthspiel, and Norwegian singer Rebekka Bakken. He collaborated over the years with many international jazz players including Youssou N'Dour and made several albums following his solo recording debut with 'Timezones' in 1990. Since moving back to Austria in 2002, he has performed with modern jazz outfits and the Vienna Art Orchestra. He teaches in Switzerland and he has worked in groups such as the Wolfgang Muthspiel Trio and the Drumfree Trio.
