Bob Reynolds

Saxophonist. Composer. Melody Architect.

A Conversation with Ben Wendel (Saxophonist, Composer, Kneebody-er)

by Bob Reynolds Get exclusive music

Ben Wendel performs at Blue Whale
Saxophonist Ben Wendel performing at the Blue Whale jazz club in Los Angeles.

I heard Ben Wendel give a brilliant performance recently and it reminded me to share this conversation we recorded in 2011.

Listen in and find out why I hesitated to release it (until now) as well as a whole buffet of topics from musical influences, saxophone practice routines, how Kneebody came to be, and Ben’s words of wisdom to college-bound, would-be professional jazz musicians. And don’t miss the hilarious A/B test I put Ben through at the end.

Here’s a rough outline of what we covered:

  • Kneebody origins, Eastman School of Music and how Kneebody functions as a band (hint: no charts)
  • Ben’s origins as a classical saxophonist and bassoonist (19:00)
  • Meeting (and learning from) legendary drummer Billy Higgins (22:00)
  • Why LA…and later, NYC (24:40)
  • The dreaded “who are your favorite sax players” question (25:50)
  • Ben’s answer to the question “If I wasn’t playing the saxophone, I’d be …” (36:38)
  • Composing process (hint: minimal materials, maximum results) (37:05)
  • Ben’s ideal musical setting (40:10)
  • Practicing philosophy/methodology (41:30) **Note: I’m not sure what happened here, but I seem to be missing a piece of Ben’s answer…it’s mostly me rambling…until this next part, which is awesome:
  • A or B? 7 lightning-round questions for Ben (43:00)
  • Ben’s advice to young musicians aspiring to make a career in jazz. (44:10)

Track played before our conversation begins is Leaving from Ben’s 2012 release Frame.

Hope you enjoy!

PS, I’d love to know what you think. Did you dig this? I have more conversations recorded. Should I release them? Leave a comment below and let me know.

PPS, I’d love it if you shared this with your friends.

About Bob Reynolds

Bob Reynolds is a jazz saxophonist and 3x GRAMMY Award-winning member of the instrumental supergroup Snarky Puppy. He's toured and recorded with John Mayer and released 11 albums as a solo artist. Bob teaches jazz improvisation and saxophone lessons through his Virtual Studio and an annual retreat for saxophonists.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Orest Filipov says

    Yeah, Bob!!!!!! Thanks a lot for sharing!!!!! This is really good stuff. It’s always interesting to listen to conversations with guys, who live very-very far from me)))))) I think that will be amazing if you will share with us some of these goodies)))))))))))))))

  3. Dave Smith says

    This was great! I vote yes to release the other interviews. Even though you feel you spoke too much, it seemed to create a more relaxed environment and a lot more was delivered. IMO Thanks!!!

  4. Bruno Frey Nascimento says

    That was a cool chat, I’ve been following that guy’s music for a while. An incredible musician, I was lucky enough to get in touch with him once or twice.

    Keep it coming, Bob!

  5. jasonomara says

    I love this guy’s playing, composing, vibe, etc. He’s been one of my favorite sax players since I first saw him play in this hole-in-the-wall club in Philly with kneebody years ago. Awesome interview!

  6. Joshua Lankford says

    It was so fun listening to your conversation w/ Ben. I love both of your playing so much but, do you guys ever get bored with music? Just curious as a young musician going to the University of rochester (Also taking classes @ Eastman).

  7. Juan Pablo Hernández says

    Great conversation, thanks!
    Do you remember what was his answer about practice routine? I mean the missing part