Understory: Live at the Village Vanguard
Ben Wendel (Edition Records)
Understory: Live at the Village Vanguard
by Ben Wendel
Label: Edition Records
Recorded live at the Village Vanguard, 4-6 November, 2022
Released: October 4, 2024
Recorded over three nights in November 2022 at the legendary Village Vanguard, Understory: Live at the Village Vanguard showcases Ben Wendel’s innovative approach to contemporary Jazz. Known for pushing boundaries, Wendel brings together a powerhouse rhythm section featuring Gerald Clayton on piano, Linda May Han Oh on bass and vocals, and Obed Calvaire on drums. Together, they craft a dynamic, virtuosic set, deeply rooted in Jazz tradition but reaching for new forms of expression.
Understory is Wendel’s first live album, following his Grammy-nominated All One. While the Vanguard has hosted countless iconic performances from Jazz luminaries such as John Coltrane and Bill Evans, Wendel’s new project feels distinctly fresh, combining technical mastery with a spirit of exploration. The live setting breathes even more energy into Wendel’s compositions, creating an album that feels both alive and spontaneous.
Musically, Understory continues Wendel’s exploration of contrast and tension—concepts that have shaped his previous albums. Where his earlier High Heart delved into the intersections of high and low art, digital and analogue, this record explores the tension between Jazz tradition and his quest for more progressive, forward-thinking forms of music. Tracks like Lu and Scosh are full of intricate interplay between Wendel’s saxophone and Clayton’s deft piano lines, with Oh and Calvaire providing a pulse that balances precision with an organic, live energy. The band's ability to communicate and push each other is palpable.
The album’s centerpiece, an innovative arrangement of Ferde Grofé’s On the Trail, demonstrates Wendel’s ability to recontextualize a classic within a contemporary framework. His use of effects pedals on saxophone adds a modern touch, while his compositional voice shines throughout the seven tracks, particularly on pieces like Jean & Renata and the emotionally charged I Saw You Say.
Wendel’s unique voice on the saxophone, coupled with his willingness to experiment, has earned him a dedicated following in the Jazz world. His continual evolution, both as a performer and composer, is on full display here. Understory stands as a testament to his artistry, not just as a Jazz musician, but as a trailblazer navigating the boundaries of the genre.
With its live energy, daring compositions, and top-tier musicianship, Understory: Live at the Village Vanguard earns its spot among the notable recordings made at this iconic venue.
Personnel
Ben Wendel • Saxophone, Effects
Gerald Clayton – Piano
Linda May Han Oh – Bass, Vocals
Obed Calvaire – Drums
Tracklist:
1. Lu
2. Proof
3. On the Trail
4. Scosh
5. Jean & Renata
6. I Saw You Say
7. Tao