Ben Wolfe: Any Time After Now

In this recording by bassist, composer and bandleader Ben Wolfe, titled Any Time After Now, there is a quiet assurance, with nothing straining for effect or feeling manufactured. Recorded in a single studio day alongside vibraphonist Joel Ross, pianist Sullivan Fortner, tenor saxophonist Chris Lewis and drummer Aaron Kimmel, the album spans ten tracks of original Wolfe compositions and exhibits a natural cohesion that reflects musicians deeply attuned to one another.

The opener, "Any Time After Now," swings with effortless authority. Wolfe's bass lines move with confidence beneath Lewis and Ross's contributions, while Fortner brings a strong rhythmic sense to the tune. Kimmel takes an imaginative turn on his kit, adding to the bebop narrative. "Waltz II" is striking for its delicacy. Buoyed by Wolfe's deep tone and steady beat, Ross and Fortner interact with arresting sensitivity, each phrase answered by the other.

"Blues" evokes a hazy, after-hours atmosphere. Lewis delivers an expressive performance, smoky, relaxed, and soulful. Ross follows with an improvisation rich in harmonic nuance, and Fortner settles into a blues statement grounded in groove and touch. "5/4 Groove" unfolds as Kimmel shapes the asymmetrical pulse with ease, while Fortner crafts an extended meditation brimming with momentum and tension. Wolfe's solo is a highlight, lyrical, poised, and deeply musical.

Wolfe, an unusual musician who associates music with color, shape and texture, writes compositions that carry visual weight. The music shifts between shadows, light, density and openness with remarkable fluidity. The result is a performance in which the band knows exactly how to inhabit these spaces.

"Down with Gravity" brings sharp angles and earthy funk. Wolfe and Kimmel work hand in glove, while Lewis stretches out with a harmonic vocabulary that yields clarity of ideas. There is a real bite here without sacrificing sophistication. "Always Four" opens with an assertive flourish from Kimmel, then settles into tightly focused exchanges between Ross and Fortner. Kimmel is back on board with crisp playing, taking the tune out as each idea feels purposeful.

"Til The Next Time" is a silky bossa nova that glides effortlessly into the ear. Ross, in full vibrato, phrases beautifully over Wolfe's subtle plucking. Fortner and Kimmel keep everything light and pleasant. The closing bonus track, "Green," swings with optimism and zest. Ross and Fortner carry the instrumental load with a keen sense of musical drama, while Wolfe and Kimmel deliver sharply etched pulses. The number offers a clear picture of Wolfe's melodic, thoughtful, and generous compositional voice.