Ben Wendel, Understory: Live at the Village Vanguard Review

Ben-Wendel-Jazz-Sensibilities-Feature

Ben Wendel, Understory: Live at the Village Vanguard Review

by Jeff Becker

Ben-Wendel-Jazz-Sensibilities-cdBen Wendel’s Understory: Live at the Village Vanguard is a project that shows the saxophonist’s relentless pursuit of musical innovation and exploration. Recorded at the iconic Village Vanguard, this live album showcases Wendel’s ability to create an appealing set of compositions that build on the talents of his ensemble and feature his emotional expression on the saxophone and his use of effects.

The album opens with “Lu,” where Wendel’s saxophone introduces the rhythmically creative ostinato, setting the stage for a performance rich in ensemble interaction and solo statements. The quartet, featuring Gerald Clayton on piano, Linda May Han Oh on bass, and Obed Calvaire on drums, demonstrates a cohesive interplay that gives this opening performance a dynamic and developing progression.

“Proof” follows with its up-tempo modern jazz feel as the ensemble’s agility in navigating rapid shifts in rhythmic tuttis and shifting feels is impressive. Notice the manner in which the ensemble takes their time in developing Clayton’s adventurous solo. Continuing the exploration of jazz modernity, Wendel’s improvisation delivers bursts of creative energy that capture the raw energy of performing in front of a live audience.

The track “On the Trail” offers the album’s only arrangement, a folk-like melody over an active contemporary jazz groove. Clayton’s piano solo is an interesting conversation between Calvaire’s ability to fluidly switch rhythmic accents while maintaining the groove, and Clayton’s lively rhythmic style. Wendel’s solo is filled with cross-rhythms and patterns. Oh’s bass lines ground the feel as Calvaire matches Wendel’s rhythmic exploration.

“Scosh” taps into a funky ’70s groove, where Wendel’s use of saxophone effects blends seamlessly with Clayton’s syncopated piano rhythms. The funky atmosphere is characterized by Wendel’s composition, which has a catchy and repetitive melody. The ensemble digs into the danceability of the rhythmic groove, which gives the set an enjoyable flow and yet another feel and style color.

Slowing down the tempo, “Jean & Renata” offers a moment to relax into a medium-slow contemporary jazz composition. The composition is built on the interaction between Oh’s bass figures and Wendel’s saxophone melody to create a compelling texture and musical mood. Oh’s bass solo is excellent, and her tone and intonation are superb.

A bluesy riff-based “I Saw You Say” features Oh’s wordless vocals singing along with the melody, adding another layer to this already richly textured ensemble. The straight-eight groove and ascending harmonic pattern give the ensemble a platform to interact and build musical solos by Clayton and Wendel.

“Tao” brings the set to a close and joyfully releases all the energy accumulated throughout the performance. Clayton’s funky, mid-tempo groove sets the tone for this more relaxed but still electrifying number. The simple respective harmonic structures and the quartet’s loose, flowing interplay make the perfect setting for more melodic explorations with more focus on groove and space.

Understory: Live at the Village Vanguard is a compelling addition to contemporary jazz, offering listeners a journey through a set of excellent compositions and emotive improvisations. Wendel and his ensemble have crafted an album that resonates with heart and mind, making it an entertaining listen for contemporary jazz fans.

Be the first to comment on "Ben Wendel, Understory: Live at the Village Vanguard Review"

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published.


*


This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.