All One
Edition, 2023
8/10
The renaissance man Ben Wendel brings his composing, arranging and multi-instrumentalist skills to these 6 in depth tracks that hosts several players to the timeless, atypical jazz formula.
“I Loves You Porgy” begins the listen with Cécile McLorin Salvant’s rich and expressive voice alongside Wendel’s hazy brass, and “Wanderers” follows with Terence Blanchard’s soulful trumpet adding much to the precisely layered climate.
“Throughout” and “Speak Joy” land in the middle, where the former features Bill Frisell’s warm guitar lines in the distinct dreaminess, while the latter is populated by Elena Pinderhughes’ well timed flute playing that’s quite charming.
Close to the end, “Tenderly” benefits much fom José James’ soaring voice for the very pretty landscape that’s quite intimate, and “In Anima” exits with Tigran Hamasyan’s graceful piano illuminating the atmospheric sax playing that’s as unconventional as it is exciting.
A listen brimming with classical harmony, well timed dissonance, and swirling, sonic bouts, Wendel’s tenor and soprano sax, bassoon, EFX and hand percussion, plus his esteemed company, make for an unpredictable and very memorable listening experience.
Travels well with: Danielle Wertz- Other Side; Nick Finzer- Dreams, Visions, Illusions