On November 29, 2023, at The Jazz Gallery, Ben Wendel unveiled "BaRcoDe," a groundbreaking project that reimagined the jazz ensemble by featuring four vibraphonists—Joel Ross, Simon Moullier, Patricia Brennan, and Juan Diego Villalobos—alongside Wendel's tenor saxophone and electronic effects. This performance marked the culmination of Wendel's 2023 Residency Commission, a program by The Jazz Gallery that supports established artists in developing new works. (jazzgallery.org)
The ensemble's innovative instrumentation blended chamber music textures with modern jazz and electronic experimentation. Critics noted the group's ability to dissolve distinctions between genres, creating a fluid and dynamic musical experience. (postgenre.org)
The success of this residency led to a subsequent performance in January 2025, where Wendel revisited "BaRcoDe" as part of The Jazz Gallery's 30th Anniversary Special Concert Series. (jazzgallery.org) The group's unique instrumentation and collaborative spirit have since been showcased in their debut album, "BaRcoDe," released in March 2026. (efperformances.com)
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