BEN WENDEL
IN FIVE RECORDINGS

September 21, 2016 | by SFJAZZ

Ben Wendel performing with Kneedelus (Kneebody & Daedelus) in Joe Henderson Lab © Mike Rosati

Ben Wendel first gained notice as a founding member of the prolific and pervasively influential jazz-and-beyond band Kneebody, but the Santa Monica-raised multi-reedist has also carved out a significant body of work as a bandleader in his own right as well as memorable sideman work with the likes of Antonio Sánchez, Taylor Eigsti, Tigran Hamasyan, and Prince! We asked Wendel to pick five recordings that represent his breadth and depth as an instrumentalist and composer.

1. Ben Wendel Group - "Song Song" (What We Bring)
A piece inspired by the great Ahmad Jamal and his version of Poinciana.

 2. Kneebody - "What Was" (The Line)
A moody piece I wrote for my group Kneebody. I was thinking about the past and how it can still feel present if you hold onto it too long.

 3. Kneedelus - "Drum Battle" (Kneedelus)
My musical exploration of the singularity concept - the eventual predicted melding of man and machine technology. Expressed in this track with my co-led group Kneebody and the great Electronic producer Daedelus.

4. Tigran Hamasyan - "The Court Jester" (Shadow Theater)
I had the pleasure of touring and recording with this great Armenian prodigy for many years. Tigran combined the folk traditions of his country with the complexities of jazz in new and beautiful ways. This track is a great example of that.

5. Dori Caymmi - "Quebra-Mar" (Inner World)
Since playing bassoon is part of how I'm known, I thought I would include a beautiful track I had the honor of recording with the great Brazilian singer/composer Dori Caymmi.