Understory: Live at the Village Vanguard
2024 live album by Ben Wendel
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Understory: Live at the Village Vanguard is a live album by saxophonist Ben Wendel, featuring pianist Gerald Clayton, bassist and vocalist Linda May Han Oh, and drummer Obed Calvaire, released on October 4, 2024.[1] It was recorded at the Village Vanguard in New York City, a historically significant venue in jazz. The album documents a live performance showcasing the quartet's collaborative approach and musical interaction.[2] Wendel described the recording as "something that really acknowledges the history of the room".[3] This album is Ben Wendel's first live album, following his studio release All One.
| Understory: Live at the Village Vanguard | ||||
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| Live album by | ||||
| Released | October 4, 2024 | |||
| Recorded | November 4–6, 2022 | |||
| Venues | Village Vanguard, New York City | |||
| Genre | Neo-bop | |||
| Length | 72:06 | |||
| Labels | Edition Records EDN 1254 LP/CD | |||
| Producer | Ben Wendel | |||
| Ben Wendel chronology | ||||
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Reception
Mike Hobart of the Financial Times praised it at release, stating that the ensemble's "playing is inspired".[4]
Track listing
All tracks are written by Ben Wendel except where noted.
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Lu" | 10:25 | |
| 2. | "Proof" | 11:01 | |
| 3. | "On the Trail" | Ferde Grofé | 9:56 |
| 4. | "Scosh" | 10:26 | |
| 5. | "Jean & Renata" | 7:54 | |
| 6. | "I Saw You Say" | 8:00 | |
| 7. | "Tao" | 8:18 | |
| 8. | "Song Song" (only available on vinyl) | 7:26 | |
| Total length: | 72:06 | ||
Personnel
Musicians
- Ben Wendel – saxophone, effects
- Gerald Clayton – piano
- Linda May Han Oh – bass, vocals
- Obed Calvaire – drums
Technical personnel
- Ben Wendel – producer
- Dave Stapleton & Tom Korkidis – executive producers
- Chris Allen – recording, mixing
- Andre Kochinka – assistant engineer
- Nate Wood at Kerseboom Mastering – mastering
- Oli Bentley, Split – album artwork
- Josh Goleman – photographer