Bassist Ben Wolfe is probably best known for performing in Wynton Marsalis’ Septet and Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra as well as being an integral member of Harry Connick Jr. and Diana Krall’s bands over the years. But the bassist has also had a fruitful recording career of his own with already eight albums as a leader under his belt, his newest opus, Fatherhood, scheduled for an August 30th release via Resident Arts Records.
Fatherhood, a heartfelt tribute to Wolfe’s father who passed away in 2018, features an exciting line-up comprised both of seasoned veterans and rising stars, namely trumpeter Giveton Gelin, saxophonists Immanuel Wilkins, Ruben Fox, and JD Allen, trombonist Steve Davis, pianists Luis Perdomo, and Orrin Evans, vibraphonist Joel Ross, and drummer Donald Edwards, as well a string quartet on seven of the ten tracks made up of Grammy-nominated violinist Jesse Mills alongside Goergy Valtchev, Kenji Bunch and Wolfram Koessel.
“I made this record in ways I knew my father would have encouraged. He loved Monk. He loved Lester Young and Billie Holiday. And he taught me a lot about music… he was not into showing off or playing extra notes for no apparent reason. This record is about the overall sound of the ensemble,” says Wolfe.
Stream “Uncle Leslie”, the brand new single off Fatherhood below, a soothing and peaceful composition which pays tribute to Wolfe’s son Milo and to the people that have become significant figures in the youngster’s life.