Wolfe, Ben
Resident Arts, 2023, CD
Instrument: Guitar
Issue: 29.1
Jazz Ruler Type: Bebop
Performance: 4
Sound: 3
Score: 81
O’s Notes: Bassist Ben Wolfe assembles a fine team for Unjust, a collection of mixed tempo modern jazz that is high on the feel-good quotient. They cook on “The Heckler” featuring trumpeter Nicholas Payton. We liked the cool swagger of “Sideways” with saxophonist Immanuel Wilkins and vibraphonist Joel Ross doing their own thing yet remaining in total harmony. Pianist Addison Frei contrasts with Ross on “Eventually”. We also enjoyed “Bob French” featuring pianist Orrin Evans, The trio format with Wolfe, Ross and drummer Aaron Kimmel on “The Corridor”, and the warmth of “Lullaby in D” featuring Nicole Glover on sax.
Publicist: Lydia Liebman Promotions