Understory: Live at the Village Vanguard
| Understory: Live at the Village Vanguard | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Live album by Ben Wendel | |
| Released | October 4, 2024 |
| Recorded | 4-6 November, 2022 |
| Venue | Village Vanguard |
| Genre | Contemporary jazz, Neo-bop |
| Label | Edition Records |
| Producer | Ben Wendel |
Understory: Live at the Village Vanguard is a live album by saxophonist Ben Wendel, featuring pianist Gerald Clayton, bassist and vocalist Linda May Han Oh, and drummer Obed Calvaire, released on October 4, 2024. It was recorded at the Village Vanguard in New York City, a venue known for its historical significance in jazz. The album documents a live performance showcasing the quartet’s collaborative approach and musical interaction. [1]
This album is Ben Wendel’s first live album, following his Grammy-nominated studio release All One. The album was recorded at the Village Vanguard in New York City, a venue widely regarded as one of the most iconic locations in jazz history. Known for hosting landmark performances by artists such as Bill Evans, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and Rahsaan Roland Kirk, the venue has a longstanding reputation for its distinctive acoustics and intimate atmosphere. Understory reflects and draws upon this legacy, capturing the ambiance and historical significance associated with live recordings at the Vanguard.
Track listing
All tracks are written by Ben Wendel.
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Lu" | 10:25 | |
| 2. | "Proof" | 11:01 | |
| 3. | "On the Trail" | Ferde Grofe | 9:56 |
| 4. | "Scosh" | 10:26 | |
| 5. | "Jean & Renata" | 7:54 | |
| 6. | "I Saw You Say" | 8:00 | |
| 7. | "Tao" | 8:18 | |
| 8. | "Song Song (Only Available on Vinyl)" | 7:26 | |
| Total length: | 72:06 | ||
Reception
Understory: Live at the Village Vanguard received a rating of 5 out of 5 stars by AllMusic.[2]
Personnel
- Ben Wendel: Saxophone
- Gerald Clayton: Piano
- Linda May Han Oh: Bass, Vocals
- Obed Calvaire: Drums
Production
- Produced by Ben Wendel
- Executive producer: Dave Stapleton & Tom Korkidis
- Mixed by Chris Allen
- Mastered by Nate Wood at Kerseboom Mastering
- Album artwork & letterpress printing by Oli Bentley, Split
Recorded live at the Village Vanguard, 4-6 November, 2022 by Chris Allen, assistant engineer Andrew Kochinka
Photos of Ben Wendel by Josh Goleman
References
- ^ "Ben Wendel | Understory: Live at the Village Vanguard". Edition Records. Retrieved 2025-07-21.
- ^ Understory: Live at the Village Vanguard - Ben... | AllMusic, retrieved 2025-07-21