Motema Music. Artists of power and distinction since 2003.

Ben Wendel’s album ‘The Seasons’ featured in DownBeat

November 7, 2018

The release of Ben Wendel’s latest release ‘The Seasons’ was featured in DownBeat! Writer Robert Ham and Wendel discuss the history of the album and how it went from a video project of duets to a full record.

Check out the full feature here!

New Ben Wendel Album “The Seasons” Out Now!

October 12, 2018

Ben Wendel‘s new album The Seasons is out now!

Inspired by Tchaikovsky’s “The Seasons,” The Seasons is not only a representation of the passage of time but a statement on how technology has changed how artists communicate and share art.

“One of the standout jazz records of 2015…his own cross-sectional portrait of the modern jazz mainstream.” – Nate Chinen, The NY Times

Buy or stream the album here!

New Ben Wendel album ‘The Seasons’ available for pre-order

August 24, 2018

Motema is very excited to announce Ben Wendel‘s new album The Seasons is now available for pre-order!

GRAMMY-nominated saxophonist and co-leader of Kneebody, Ben Wendel releases his studio album adaptation of the acclaimed YouTube video series The Seasons. Inspired by Tchaikovsky’s compositions, each track is dedicated to a specific month and artist who has shaped Wendel’s creative vision. The Seasons is not only a representation of the passage of time but a statement on how technology has changed the way artists communicate and share art.

Check it out and listen to the first singles “July” and “August” here!

Best of 2016 Round-up

January 3, 2017

Check out Motéma artist mentions on many year end ‘best of ‘ lists!

NPR Music Best 50 Albums of 2016
Rene Marie, Sound of Red

NPR Music Jazz Critics Poll
#1 Vocal Album: Rene Marie, Sound of Red
#1 Latin Album: The Pedrito Martinez Group, Habana Dreams
Top 50 Albums of the Year: Donny McCaslin, Beyond Now, Murray, Allen & Carrington Power Trio, Perfection, Jaimeo Brown Transcendence, Work Songs

Stereogum 10 Best Jazz Albums of 2016
Donny McCaslin, Beyond Now

iTunes Best of 2016, Jazz
Joey Alexander, Countdown, Ben Wendel, What We Bring, Murray, Allen & Carrington Power Trio, Perfection

JazzTimes Top 50 Albums
Rene Marie, Sound of Red, Jaimeo Brown Transcendence, Work Songs, Murray, Allen & Carrington Power Trio, Perfection

DownBeat Best Albums of 2016
Jaimeo Brown Transcendence, Work Songs
Murray, Allen & Carrington Power Trio, Perfection
Ben Wendel, What We Bring

‘What We Bring’ by Ben Wendel is Out Now!

September 9, 2016

Ben Wendel‘s new album What We Bring is out now!

“What We Bring refers to the experience, inspiration and shared wisdom that musicians collect and absorb throughout their lives, and how that is expressed through their art… This album expresses my continued acknowledgement and appreciation to all of those who have helped me along the path, both directly and indirectly.” -Ben Wendel, Downbeat Magazine

Get it on iTunes: smarturl.it/WhatWeBring
Buy on Amazon: smarturl.it/WhatWeBringAmazon

‘What We Bring’ Available for Streaming Exclusively on Apple Music

September 2, 2016

Ben Wendel’s new album, What We Bring is now available for streaming exclusively on Apple Music, one week before the official release next Friday, September 9th. Click here to listen on Apple Music!