The Seasons (album)

The Seasons
(optional: alt text for the cover image)
Studio album by
Ben Wendel
ReleasedOctober 12, 2018
RecordedMarch 5–7, 2018
StudioBunker Studios, Brooklyn
GenreJazz
LabelMotema
ProducerBen Wendel
Ben Wendel chronology
What We Bring
(2016) 		The Seasons
(2018) 		High Heart
(2020)

The Seasons is a studio album by saxophonist Ben Wendel, often recognized for his role as the co-leader of Kneebody. The album, released on October 12, 2018, is a project based on the YouTube video series "The Seasons" which Wendel modeled after Tchaikovsky’s "The Seasons". Each track on the album was written for a specific month and a different artist who has influenced Wendel's vision.[1]

Overview

The Seasons references Tchaikovsky's compositions and serves as a commentary on the concept of time, technology and the way artists communicate.[2]

Wendel began writing music for this record in 2015. Wendel set about writing and performing twelve duets and videos featuring musicians he admires, including Shai Maestro, Joshua Redman, Julian Lage, Matt Brewer, Eric Harland, and vocalist Luciana Souza.[3] Each track has a different video posted in a unique setting. [4] Wendel released a different YouTube video for each month of the year, and later released this video project as a full album. [5]

Track Listing

All tracks are written by Ben Wendel

No.TitleLength
1."January"6:47
2."February"6:48
3."March"6:15
4."April"6:39
5."May"6:36
6."June"5:00
7."July"6:07
8."August"6:51
9."September"3:59
10."October"6:16
11."November"6:34
12."December"10:47

Personnel

Production

  • Aaron Nevezie – House Engineer
  • Todd Burke – Mixing Engineer
  • Nate Wood at Kerseboom Mastering – Mastering
  • James Carney – Piano Tuning
  • Josh Goleman – Photography
  • Rebecca Meek – Package Design
  • Rachel Silton – Project Manager
  • Jason Byrne – Publicity
  • Tom Korkidis – Management
  • Alycia Mack – Booking North America
  • Holly Brennock – Booking EUR/International

Artist Endorsements

Ben Wendel uses D’addario reeds and products and AEA microphones

Eric Harland uses Sakae Drums, Vic Firth Sticks, Zildjian Cymbals, Remo Drumheads

Gilad Hekselman uses Victor Baker Guitars / Moollon Guitars / Earthquaker Devices

References

  1. ^ "The Seasons, by Ben Wendel". Ben Wendel. Retrieved 2023-10-20.
  2. ^ Ben Wendel - The Seasons, 2018, retrieved 2023-10-20
  3. ^ Jazz, All About (2018-12-02). "Ben Wendel: The Seasons album review @ All About Jazz". All About Jazz. Retrieved 2023-11-07.
  4. ^ Chinen, Nate (2016-01-22). "With 'The Seasons,' Ben Wendel Redefines the Musical Encounter". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2023-11-07.
  5. ^ "Ben Wendel Takes 'The Seasons' from Video Project to Album". downbeat.com. 2018-10-12. Retrieved 2023-11-07.