National CD Release Press Contact: Two for the Show Media - Chris DiGirolamo Email: [email protected] Phone: 718-669-0752 Web: www.twofortheshowmedia.com

BEN WOLFE Debuts on MAXJAZZ With No Strangers Here (May 20, 2008) * * * The Recording Features All Original Material by the Highly Talented Bassist, Composer and Arranger

MAXJAZZ is proud to present Ben Wolfe and his debut release, No Strangers Here, as part of its string series. Bassist Wolfe wrote, arranged, and orchestrated all of the songs for this exceptional release. No Strangers Here features some outstanding musicians including a core band featuring Marcus Strickland, tenor and soprano saxophone; Luis Perdomo, piano and Greg Hutchinson, drums. Guest artists include , tenor and soprano saxophone; Terell Stafford, trumpet; Victor Goines, bass clarinet and Jeff “Tain” Watts, drums. In addition, most of the compositions unites a ensemble with a string quartet featuring Jesse Mills and Cyrus Beroukhim, violin; Kenji Bunch, viola and Wolfgram Koessel, cello. The critics have already taken notice:

“Composed of two quartets – one jazz-shaped and the other classically inclined – this ensemble features the original music of Ben Wolfe, a stalwart bassist. -New York Times

“He has a beautiful, fat, dark tone. He can drive a band, he can take a lyrical position in an ensemble and most of all, he’s not afraid to play.” -Stanley Crouch

The recording begins with the upbeat track The Minnick Rule featuring Marcus Strickland and Terell Stafford. Wolfe remarks in his liner notes that Strickland “plays with a great deal of soul and rhythmic inventiveness,” while Stafford “plays with great forward motion and swing.” The title track is a lush composition featuring the string quartet. Milo swings with ease and features Marsalis on soprano saxophone. The tightly-arranged No Pat No drives with great energy and features Hutchinson. The next composition is a bit of a “calling-card” for Wolfe. He remarks, “I had been talking to Branford Marsalis for years about playing on one of my records and it was worth the wait. His tenor solo on The Filth confirms his greatness…a lot of this music was written originally for a group that included Jeff “Tain” Watts on drums and it’s great to have his brilliance on this track as well.” Circus begins at a brisk pace and features a wonderful solo by Perdomo. Wolfe states that “Victor Goines and I played together in ’ Septet and I knew his beautiful bass clarinet sound would be perfect for the ballad Blue Envy.” The string quartet is featured on an intricate arrangement of the composition Rosy & Zero. This well-written score highlights Wolfe’s ability to integrate the string and jazz quartet in a seamless way. Jackie Mac features a fine solo by Wolfe. The recording comes to its conclusion with the swinging track Groovy Medium.

Wolfe comments: I chose to combine a jazz and string quartet to give myself a wide range of options as a composer yet to retain the feeling of a small ensemble. The music ranges from the lush title track, “No Strangers Here,” to the more chamber music- sounding, “Rosy & Zero.” The musicians are a wonderful blend of new acquaintances and guys I’ve played with for over twenty years.

ABOUT THE ARTIST Bassist-composer Ben Wolfe, born in Baltimore, Maryland, and raised in Portland, Oregon, has gained a large following as a result of being an integral member of groups led by a who’s who in jazz, including Wynton Marsalis, and Harry Connick, Jr. After accepting his first gig from legendary alto saxophonist Sonny King, Ben went on to back Woody Shaw and other national acts when they came through Portland. By 23, he made his move to New York.

Performing throughout New York’s jazz clubs, Ben sat in on a jam session with Harry Connick, Jr. They went on to form a duo and recorded over a dozen albums and soundtracks. During his five years with Connick, he performed on numerous world tours as musical director. He then joined the Wynton Marsalis Septet and remained through its active years. Ben then became an important component of Diana Krall’s touring band and played on many of her recordings, including the Grammy Award winning release, “When I Look In Your Eyes.”

As a member of The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra (JLCO), Ben has performed with , Doc Cheatham, Jon Hendricks, Harry “Sweets” Edison, and Billy Higgins. He has also recorded with Branford Marsalis, Eric Reed, Carl Allen, and Benny Green.

His previous recordings include “13 Sketches” (1996) and “Bagdad Theater” (1997), both released on Mons Records; the critically acclaimed “Murray’s Cadillac” (2000) on Amosaya Music; and “My Kinda Beautiful” (2004) on Planet Arts Records.

Ben is currently a faculty member of the Jazz Studies Division at The Juilliard School.

*** CD Release Event *** June 3, 2008: Jazz Standard, New York, NY

Track Listing: 1. The Minnick Rule (7:18) 6. Circus (3:25) 2. No Strangers Here (2:29) 7. Blue Envy (5:27) 3. Milo (3:51) 8. Rosy & Zero (7:16) 4. No Pat No (3:33) 9. Jackie Mac (3:42) 5. The Filth (7:54) 10. Groovy Medium (4:40)

www.benwolfe.com www.maxjazz.com

(Label contact: Clayton McDonnell / [email protected] / 1-800-875-8331) (Management by The NJ Group Inc. / [email protected])