A concert on the cutting edge of ‘High Art’ versus ‘Low Art’.

The GRAMMY-nominated tenor saxophonist Ben Wendelis is one of the designers of the modern jazz scene. In Theater Heerlen, this versatile saxophonist, who was also one of the founders of the jazz collective Kneebody, presents work from his most recent album High Heart.

Line up
Ben Wendel – Tenor Saxophone
Michael Mayo – Vocals
Shai Maestro – Rhodes
Gerald Clayton – Piano
Joe Sanders – Upright Bass
Nate Wood – Drums

“High Heart is definitely an album that stands out from the crowd,” Jazzenzo wrote of Wendel’s fifth solo album. Wendel, currently living in Brooklyn, reflects on High Heart with his music on the current digital age and the question of how you should relate to it as an artist/musician. At a time when the distinction between high and low art has disappeared and technology plays a dominant role, he wonders how to make music that is relevant and authentic?

Ben Wendel: “This project reflects my continued effort to create art that is personal and relevant in an increasingly impersonal time. The song titles refer to different challenges I’ve experienced while interfacing with a global audience… Ultimately, High Heart is a project of hope, and for me, a focused and personal statement in a time where it has become harder for all artists to find their way through the noise.”

World class in all genres
Wendel produces and plays jazz as well as other genres. He has collaborated with many artists such as Tigran Hamasyan, Antonio Sanchez, Gerald Clayton, Eric Harland, Taylor Eigsti, Snoop Dogg and The Artist Formerly Known as Prince. As co-founder of jazz collective Kneebody, he stood at the cradle of contemporary fusion. In his project The Seasons (2015), on the other hand, he was inspired by Tchaikovsky’s The Seasons for piano. Before this he played in 12 original and partly improvised video clips with 12 musicians he admired. This led to surprising duo recordings with Joshua Redman, Shai Maestro, Mark Turner, Ambrose Akinmusire and Aaron Parks, among others. This masterpiece was followed by successful albums such as Simple Song, Frame, and What We Bring.

In the press
“He has a keen ability to balance intellectual curiosity with emotional and melodic impact.” – Down beat

Source : Heerlen Jazz Website