TWO CONCERTS NIGHTLY ~ 6:30 PM and 9:00 PM
New York bassist/composer and bandleader Ben Wolfe’s music has been described as “Mingus and Miles Davis meet Bartok and Bernard Herrmann” (Ben Ratliff – The New York Times). Acclaimed by some of the jazz world’s most respected critics for his “wit and cool intelligence” and signature “innovative, melding of hard-swinging jazz quartet, outstanding guest soloists and classical string quartet.”, Wolfe continues to produce works that draw top-flight reviews from fans and jazz journalists alike.
Ben’s most recent release Fatherhood, touted by New York City Jazz Record’s Elliott Simon as a “career defining work… creative meshing of distinctive forms and genres, mature alteration of previously released material, elegant arrangements of difficult material and strong leadership”, adds to his extensive collection of original albums, and ties together a career of musical prestige.
There is no doubt that after decades as one of the most sought-after bassists in jazz, performing with top names such as Wynton Marsalis, Harry Connick Jr., Diana Krall and many others, award-winning composer and bandleader Ben Wolfe is clear about his creative direction…
“Much of the music I’ve composed; particularly the music that includes strings, I think of as chamber music within a jazz context.” – Ben Wolfe
Ben leads several distinctive ensembles, featuring top jazz veterans, and upcoming young talents, presented in a range of formats, from Quartet to Sextet, featuring trumpet, saxophone, and vibraphone. His extended works for Octet, comprised of jazz quartet plus string quartet have been described as “ground-breaking”. The Ben Wolfe Trio plays brilliant, innovative arrangements of songs from The Great American Songbook, as well as the music of Thelonious Monk and others. And– The Ben Wolfe Quintet continues to be a mainstay at Dizzy’s Club in NYC, performing an annual four-night run in the late summer, each year.
An award-winning composer, Ben is a two-time recipient of Chamber Music America’s New Works: Creation and Presentation Program Grant through the Doris Duke Foundation. First received in 2004, Ben was able to use this funding to compose his extended work Contradiction: Music for Sextet. Ben received the grant again this year, and is currently writing his next extended composition. Wolfe has distinguished himself through a significant catalogue of original music, including over one hundred songs across nine albums, several extended works, and the film score for Matthew Modine’s 2008 short I Think I Thought. The New York Sun hailed his work on this film as, “a standout music score.”
Likened by more than one jazz critic to the works of Charles Mingus and Max Roach, Ben’s compositions infuse his hard-swinging jazz combo with string quartet, and are acclaimed for their “inspired writing and off the beaten path” approach, music that “emboldens the tradition with neo-classical overtones, yet never fails to swing”.
Wolfe’s early career included Grammy award-winning, platinum-selling collaborations with both Harry Connick Jr. and Diana Krall, including Harry’s 1988 soundtrack album When Harry Met Sally, and Diana’s 1999 release When I Look in Your Eyes. He appeared alongside both artists on numerous world tours. Wolfe’s ongoing and close association with Wynton Marsalis; during which Marsalis recorded as a guest on two of his albums, has seen Ben appear on a number of Wynton’s releases, and included a stint in the Wynton Marsalis Septet and membership in the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra (JLCO), where he performed with jazz luminaries such as Joe Henderson, Doc Cheatham, Jon Hendricks, Harry “Sweets” Edison, and Billy Higgins, among many others.
Contemporary jazz greats with whom he has also worked and recorded include Branford Marsalis, Orrin Evans, Eric Reed and Benny Green.
Ben Wolfe’s full list of recorded original albums as a leader:
● Fatherhood, Resident Arts Records (2019)
● The Whisperer, Posi-Tone (2015)
● From Here I See, MAXJAZZ/Mack Avenue Records (2013)
● Ben Wolfe Quintet: Live at Smalls, SmallsLIVE (2011)
● No Strangers Here, MAXJAZZ/Mack Avenue Records (2008)
● My Kinda Beautiful, Planet Arts Records (2004)
● Murray’s Cadillac, Amosaya Music (2000)
● Bagdad Theater, Mons Records (1997)
● 13 Sketches, Mons Records (1996)
Ben maintains a busy schedule, performing and touring on the international stage. Currently a member of the teaching faculty at The Julliard School in New York City, Ben is helping to shape and mentor the jazz scene’s next generation of outstanding talent.
“Ben Wolfe swings with authority!”- to quote Wynton Marsalis. It can’t be said any better!
Donald Vega was trained classically in piano in his native Nicaragua. He emigrated to the United States at age 14 and found a musical home with the Colburn School of Performing Arts (CSPA). He began his studies there in classical piano with Teresa de Jong Pombo and Dr. Louis Lepley. Vega began learning the language of jazz from mentor Billy Higgins at The World Stage and continued at CSPA with Jeffrey Lavner, then later with bassist John Clayton at the University of Southern California. He went on to graduate from Manhattan School of Music and The Juilliard School where he studied with piano great Kenny Barron. Vega currently performs internationally as the pianist for world renowned bassist Ron Carter’s Golden Striker Trio with whom he has recorded several albums. Mr. Vega is also a professor at The Juilliard School and sits on the board of BackCountry Jazz, a non-profit organization which provides music education programs and performances to underprivileged youth.
Vega’s debut album, Tomorrows, was released in 2008 to rave reviews. In his sophomore album, Spiritual Nature (Resonance Records, 2012), he was joined by the regal rhythm tandem of bassist Christian McBride and drummer Lewis Nash. Vega teamed up again with Lewis Nash on his third album, With Respect to Monty, (Resonance Records, 2015) along with Hassan Shakur, the great bassist and former Monty Alexander band member, and long time friend and grammy nominated artist, Anthony Wilson on guitar.
Edwin G. Hamilton is professional musician, recording artist, and educator. As a multi-instrumentalist and vocalist, his dedication to the art of music is inspiring. Edwin earned a Jazz Fellowship to study with Herlin Riley in New Orleans, Louisiana.
He has toured both nationally and internationally with various artists. Edwin has performed, recorded and/or worked with notable names such as: Teddy Adams, Explorer’s Club, Chris Crenshaw, Michael Dease, Calvin Edwards, Delbert Felix, Mike Frost, Aaron Goldberg, Wycliffe Gordon, Niki Haris, Amos Hoffman, Enrique Hernandez, Charmaine Neville, Delfeayo Marsalis, Wynton Marsalis, Shannon Powell, Marcus Printup, Vinny Raniola, Eric Reed, Herlin Riley, Christian Sands, Tye Tribbet, Donald Vega, Frank Vignola, Christian Winther, Ben Wolfe and many more.
In August of 2015, he released his debut album, The Whole World Must Change. The record has received rave reviews in All About Jazz and Jazz Inside. Edwin’s talents, hard work and professionalism have made him one of the most sought after musicians in the Southeast. He serves as the Minister of Music at Greater Young Zion Baptist Church (Augusta, GA) where Dr. William B. Blount is the Senior Pastor.
Edwin also teaches private lessons and is an active session musician. Last but not least, Edwin enjoys spending time with his family. He has a beautiful wife (Ajaree Hamilton) and three beautiful children (Abigail, EJ, and Ariah Hamilton).
MUSIC CHARGE: $20.00
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