“A naturally inquisitive musician whose credentials branch out beyond jazz”
The New York Times
We’re very happy to be hosting Ben Wendel - Grammy-nominated saxophonist and founding member of jazz fusion band, Kneebody - who’ll be performing for us at The Yard as a featured guest with Tom Ollendorff on guitar, Conor Chaplin on double bass and Marc Michel on drums.
Born in Vancouver, raised in LA and currently based in New York, Ben has enjoyed a varied career as a performer, composer and producer, having worked with artists including Prince, Snoop Dogg, Linda May Han Oh and Antonio Sanchez; but despite boasting more than 50 recording credits and counting, only a handful are under his name, the songs featured on High Heart - his most recent “Ben Wendel” release, issued via Edition Records in 2020 - inspired by the human desire to connect and the craving to create something personal during “an increasingly impersonal time”.
A keen supporter of the jazz community, Ben was previously appointed head of the Jazz and Blues Initiative at Santa Monica’s Broad Stage, tasked with expanding performance opportunities for artists within LA and has proven his commitment to educational outreach consistently throughout his career, having led over 300 musical masterclasses at various high schools, universities and colleges.
Don’t miss the unique opportunity to watch this veritable international supergroup do what they do best within the intimate surroundings of The Yard!
“The opening of the title track alone feels like the… equivalent of an angelic hug. Intentional or not, it’s quite the soothing balm after an abhorrent 2020.”
- Jazz Times
“A naturally inquisitive musician whose credentials branch out beyond jazz”
- The New York Times
“Lush, evocative and deeply rooted in the genre”
- The Los Angeles Times
Ben Wendel // saxophone
Tom Ollendorff // guitar
Conor Chaplin // double bass
Marc Michel // drums