PAPATAMUS REDUX

OUTSIDE IN A2418.1 (RELEASED AUGUST 2024)

Ben Wolfe’s The Understated can best be described as cool, calm and collected. Cool, because it is reminiscent (but not a copy) of recordings from Lennie Tristano, Warne Marsh, Lee Konitz and other modernists of the cool era. Calm, because the music Wolfe presents is never forced or pushed.  And collected, because Wolfe collected the perfect combination of musicians — tenor saxophonist Nicole Glover, pianists Orrin Evans and Sullivan Fortner, guitarist Russell Malone and drummer Aaron Kimmel to interpret the ten original compositions featured on this recording.  Wolfe uses the ideal combination of those musicians to bring his music to life. The quartet of Wolfe, Glover, Evans and Kimmel set the tone for The Understated with the slow groove of “The Poet Speaks,” a tone they further caress and explore on “Ballad in B,” “Waltz” and “Love is Near.” Russell Malone’s guitar is added for the upbeat “Occam’s Razor” as well as accompanying Evans, Wolfe and Kimmel on the sublime ballad “Beautiful You.” The pianoless trio of Glover, Wolfe and Kimmel shine on the lively “Triangle Man.” Pianist Sullivan Fortner delves into the dreamy mood of “So Indeed” accompanied by Wolfe and Kimmel and is given a solo spot on “Barely Spoken,” the final tune on the session. With so many sound-alike recordings out these days, The Understated is truly a refreshing release. It’s full of thoughtful improvisations, captivating melodies and exceptional musicianship, all resulting in a relaxing and invigorating listening experience.

BOTTOM LINE: Ben Wolfe’s The Understated is just that — understated. Rather than bravura and speed, the musicians take a cool, calm and collected approach on ten Wolfe originals delivered in a manner that makes The Understated an overwhelmingly enjoyable listening experience.