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Ben Wolfe: Unjust

By Dave Linn
May 19, 2023
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The history of modern jazz contains only a handful of bass players who have both led their own groups and been visionary in their compositions and approach.

Charles Mingus

bass, acoustic
1922 - 1979

" data-original-title="" title="">Charles Mingus,

Charlie Haden

bass, acoustic
1937 - 2014

" data-original-title="" title="">Charlie Haden,

Dave Holland

bass
b.1946

" data-original-title="" title="">Dave Holland,

Jaco Pastorius

bass, electric
1951 - 1987

" data-original-title="" title="">Jaco Pastorius and

Christian McBride

bass
b.1972

" data-original-title="" title="">Christian McBride are those who come to mind. With the release of his 10th album, Unjust,

" data-original-title="" title="">Ben Wolfe shows he belongs in that group.

Wolfe began his musical career as a classical bassist and studied at the Peabody Conservatory of Music in Baltimore. In the mid-1980s, he moved to New York City and quickly became an in-demand jazz musician. He apprenticed with several prominent musicians, including

Wynton Marsalis

trumpet
b.1961

" data-original-title="" title="">Wynton Marsalis,

Harry Connick, Jr.

piano
b.1967

" data-original-title="" title="">Harry Connick, Jr.. and

Diana Krall

piano and vocals
b.1964

" data-original-title="" title="">Diana Krall. He was also a member of the

Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra

band / ensemble / orchestra

" data-original-title="" title="">Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra for several years.

Wolfe is known for his virtuosic playing, a strong sense of swing, and melodic sensibility. He has been praised for his ability to integrate the traditions of jazz with contemporary styles and sounds, and for his contributions to the development of modern jazz. This album showcases all these facets as well as a keen sense of composition (he wrote all twelve tracks) and a strong sense of texture in his arrangements.

The set kicks off with "The Heckler," where Wolfe sets a torrid pace while

Joel Ross

vibraphone

" data-original-title="" title="">Joel Ross plays an eerie, thematic vibes that allow the soloists to take off. The effect is almost film-noir. "Hats Off To Rebay" has something like an

Ornette Coleman

saxophone, alto
1930 - 2015

" data-original-title="" title="">Ornette Coleman/Charlie Haden feel with Wolfe walking the bass underneath.

The variety on this record is tremendous. From the straight-ahead bop of "Bob French" (a tribute to the famous New Orleans drummer and WWOZ radio host) to the tender ballad, "Lullabye in D," featuring the wonderful

Nicole Glover

saxophone, tenor
b.1991

" data-original-title="" title="">Nicole Glover on tenor with her big, breathy sound. "The Corridor" is a vibes, bass and drums tune that conjures up the

Modern Jazz Quartet

band / ensemble / orchestra
b.1952

" data-original-title="" title="">Modern Jazz Quartet. "Mask Man" is a hard-driving neo-bop composition showcasing Wolfe's virtuosity. The title track is a tune that evolves into and revolves around the

Charlie Parker

saxophone, alto
1920 - 1955

" data-original-title="" title="">Charlie Parker song "Confirmation." The album closes with "Reprise (Credits)" featuring piano, vibes, bass and drums. It is a beautiful ballad and a lovely way to end a masterful release.

The band Wolfe has assembled for this record is excellent throughout. At times the interplay between trumpeter

Nicholas Payton

trumpet
b.1973

" data-original-title="" title="">Nicholas Payton and

Immanuel Wilkins

saxophone, alto
b.1997

" data-original-title="" title="">Immanuel Wilkins on alto sax is reminiscent of the interplay between

Booker Little

trumpet
1938 - 1961

" data-original-title="" title="">Booker Little and

Eric Dolphy

woodwinds
1928 - 1964

" data-original-title="" title="">Eric Dolphy as well as

Don Cherry

trumpet
1936 - 1995

" data-original-title="" title="">Don Cherry and

Dewey Redman

saxophone, tenor
b.1931

" data-original-title="" title="">Dewey Redman.

Aaron Kimmel

drums

" data-original-title="" title="">Aaron Kimmel on drums plays with subtlety and empathy throughout.

Learn more about our star rating system

Track Listing

The Heckler; Hats Off to Rebay; Lullaby in D; Bob French; The Corridor; Mask Man; Eventually; Unjust; Sparkling Red; Sideways; Hats Off to Rebay (Interlude); Reprise (Credits).

Personnel

Ben Wolfe

bass

Nicholas Payton

trumpet

Immanuel Wilkins

saxophone, alto

Nicole Glover

saxophone, tenor

Joel Ross

vibraphone

Addison Frei

piano

Orrin Evans

piano

Aaron Kimmel

drums

Album information

Title: Unjust | Year Released: 2023 | Record Label: Resident Arts

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