Ben Wolfe Finds Swing, Space, and Fire on “Any Time After Now”
Ben Wolfe has returned with a new album called Any Time After Now, which features ten all-original compositions from the bassist and bandleader. The recording features a stellar band including vibraphonist Joel Ross, pianist Sullivan Fortner, tenor saxophonist Chris Lewis, and drummer Aaron Kimmel. Wolfe worked the music up over a three-night engagement at Dizzy’s Club in New York City before capturing it all during a single day in the studio.
“Everything flowed great in the studio. Everything was very organic. It was about the ensemble sound,” Wolfe says. “In some ways, this is my favorite one, from top to bottom.”
Any Time After Now kicks off with the title track, which encapsulates the burning, swinging sound of New York itself. Much of the album, however, is built around space and ambiance, as evidenced on the lilting “Waltz II” and the ballads like “Do You Love?” and “If Only.”
Wolfe’s steadfast time and rich tone give the music its center, and the songs themselves seem to be his focus. One standout track for bassists will be “5/4 Groove,” which begins with a angular bass line that’s doubled by Fortner’s left hand. The odd-time exploration eventually drops into swing, and Wolfe takes one of his few solos on the album.
Listen to “5/4 Groove”:
Any Time After Now is available now on CD, vinyl and as a digital download (Apple Music, and Amazon Music).
Any Time After Now Track List:
- Any Time After Now
- Waltz II
- If Only
- Blues
- 5/4 Groove
- Do You Love?
- Down with Gravity
- Always Four
- ’Til Next Time
- Green*
*bonus track not on LP
In his time with No Treble, Kevin has met hundreds of amazing bassists and interviewed icons like Jack Casady, Victor Wooten, Les Claypool, Marcus Miller, and more. He's a gigging bassist performing jazz in Northern Virginia and bluegrass with The Plate Scrapers up and down the East Coast. Kevin appreciates all genres of music, from R&B to metal and everything in between. Connect with Kevin on Facebook and check his performance schedule on his website.
