Ben Wolfe - The Understated (2024) [Official Digital Download]

The Understated features a collection of new original compositions by Wolfe paired, with re-imaginings of some of the composer’s classic material, with a particular emphasis on the ballad song-form. The album features ten tracks, five of which are ballads – a bold move for any composer – Wolfe creates a cohesive narrative here that challenges the listeners perception of the classic ballad. The Understated features Wolfe alongside artists who make up the very frontline of modern jazz, including pianist Orrin Evans, tenor saxophonist Nicole Glover, drummer Aaron Kimmel, guitarist Russell Malone and pianist Sullivan Fortner.

Wolfe has always been drawn to finding beauty in subtlety. He perceives a certain tranquility and elegance in the Coltrane Quartet, Louis Armstrong’s Hot Fives and Sevens, the legendary Miles Davis bands and rhythm sections, and the music of Charlie Parker. While he, of course, revels at the immense world-building energy of this music, it’s the “other side” – the elusive, magical aspect that endlessly captivates him – the understated. The composer draws inspiration most from the ensemble work of these hallmark jazz ensembles. Despite the individual parts being extraordinarily beautiful on their own, the musicians in these archetypal ensembles play only what is needed to serve the music, paying particular attention to the band-sound more-so than their individual sound. The Understated embodies this ethos with a tremendously impactful ensemble-oriented approach.

TRACKLIST

1. Ben Wolfe - The Poet Speaks
2. Ben Wolfe - Occam’s Razor
3. Ben Wolfe - Ballad In B
4. Ben Wolfe - Anagram
5. Ben Wolfe - So Indeed
6. Ben Wolfe - Waltz
7. Ben Wolfe - Beautiful You
8. Ben Wolfe - Triangle Man
9. Ben Wolfe - Love Is Near
10. Ben Wolfe - Barely Spoken



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