An accomplished set of music by one of jazz's best kept secrets. Wolf works with a group of impeccable musicians to produce one of 2023's best jazz albums. But this is also a great gateway to his past recordings which are solid in every which way. You can't go wrong here.
The third in a trilogy of albums that bass-
ist-composer Wolfe recorded in 2021 during
three two-day blocks in the studio with mul-
tiple ensembles, Unjust is a brilliant work of
melodic ensemble writing and superb playing
by a stellar intergenerational crew. Things kick
off in high-flying fashion with "The Heckler,"
an uptempo number that has trumpeter
Nicholas Payton and alto saxophonist
Immanuel Wilkins taking turns wailing
against a frenet-
ic pulse laid down by drummer Aaron Kimmel
and the leader. Vibraphonist Joel Ross' mini-
malist comping creates an ethereal presence in
contrast to the runaway bum here. The loping
and moody "Hats Off To Rebay" has Ross and
Wilkins uniting on a tight, angular head, à la
Eric Dolphy's "Out To Lunch," before launch-
ing into individual riveting solos.
"Lullaby In D" is a gorgeous, affecting bal-
lad that showcases rising star tenor saxophonist
Nicole Glover, who brings a luxurious, breathy
quality that belies her young age; more Ben
Webster than Michael Brecker. The tasty medi-
um-tempo swinger "Bob French" finds the
ensemble in a relaxed groove paced by Wolfe's
solidly walking bass lines and inspired soloing
from Glover and Payton, who engage in blister-
ing exchanges at the tag. "The Corridor," show-
casing Ross' vibes, and a rare solo turn from
the bassist-leader. The angular "Mask Man"
and Monkish title track, put Payton and Glover
on the front line before freewheeling solos, are
more proof of this modernist ensemble's unity
and urge to swing.
A bassist and composer of some twenty-five years’ standing, Ben Wolfe has attracted as much acclaim for his compositions as for his playing, with a career in chamber music alongside his jazz work. His tenth album, Unjust puts the spotlight firmly on improvisation, gathering a passel of like-minded colleagues (pianists Orrin Evans and Addison Frei, saxophonists Immanuel Wilkins and Nicole Glover, trumpeter Nicholas Payton, drummer Aaron Kimmel, vibraphonist Joel Ross) to bring his sketches to vibrant life. The first four tracks give an indication of the breadth and depth on display here: the bluesy grind of “The Heckler” (starring Wilkins’ and Payton’s growling conversation), the frenetic postbop of “Hats Off to Rebay” (which lets Wilkins off the leash), the creamy ballad “Lullaby in D” (a showcase for tight ensemble work) and the swinging hard bop of “Bob French” (featuring Glover’s soulful soloing). Wolfe and company shift back and forth between those moves, whether it’s bluesy bop or gorgeous poesy or barely tethered expression, and prove themselves expert practitioners of all of it. If you need a straight shot of pure jazz, Unjust is the highest quality stuff on the shelf.
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