BEN WOLFE QUARTET

Following his acclaimed 2023 release Unjust, which received accolades from DownBeat, The Wall Street Journal, NPR and more, esteemed bassist and composer Ben Wolfe returns with The Understated. This project features a mix of new compositions and fresh takes on his earlier works, with a notable emphasis on ballads, showcasing Wolfe’s ability to transform the classic song form into a cohesive narrative.

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 moreso
than their individual sound.

The Understated embodies this ethos with a tremendously impactful ensemble-oriented approach. The Understated is a testament to Wolfe’s dedication to finding beauty in subtlety and ensemble performance, offering listeners a tranquil and elegant listening experience.