Ben Wolfe: The Understated

Rating: ★★★★

Record and Artist Details

Musicians:

Russell Malone (g)
Sullivan Fortner (p)
Aaron Kimmel (d)
Ben Wolfe (b)
Nicole Glover (ts)

Label:

Resident Arts

November/2024

Media Format:

CD, LP

Catalogue Number:

OUIA 2418.1

RecordDate:

Rec. 2024

This quintet’s collective energy shines out on the second track here, called ‘Occam’s Razor’, underpinned by Wolfe’s bass work, partly walking and partly mirroring the melodic structure. There’s a fine guitar solo by the late Russell Malone in what must be one of his last recordings, which leads into a fluid segment for Glover’s mobile tenor.

But the band isn’t just about energy, there are moments of reflective calm, such as ‘Ballad in B’ where Glover’s melodic statement is backed by sympathetic chording from Fortner. Equally relaxed is ‘Waltz’, a long rumination by Glover, with impeccable backing, which is again particularly beautifully played by Fortner. Malone shines on ‘Beautiful You’, his introspective solo reminding just what a major talent we have lost. But the band’s collective energy returns for ‘Triangle Man’ with propulsive drumming from Kimmel.

Overall, exactly as Wolfe intended in his title and compositions, this is a band that never goes over the top. It plays just what is necessary, and does so with well-judged perfection. It’s never so calm as to be dull or boring, and there’s always a sense of plenty in reserve, but as well as having no qualms about straightahead swing from time to time, this is a group that consistently plays with and for one another and draws us in to the conversation.

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