What's New on WDCB... with Paul Abella

Nicole Glover – Nicole Glover Plays (Savant)

Saxophonist Nicole Glover has been making a name for herself over the past few years, making plenty of appearances on others’ records, being part of the supergroup Artemis, and putting out a couple of albums on her own, too. On Nicole Glover Plays, she ups the ante, forgoing a chordal instrument on half the tracks, although she did bring in Steve Nelson to the vibes on four songs. Tyrone Allen and Kayvon Gordon handle the respective bass and drum chairs, driving this trio and/or quartet with plenty of power and nimbleness. Glover only contributes one song to the album, the swinging “Blues for Mel,” but the classics and standard heard here are well-chosen, showing off her chops, good taste and a sense of boldness, too. Kenny Dorham’s “The Fox,” McCoy Tyner’s “Inception” and the standard “I’ve Grown Accustomed to Her Face” all get smart arrangements that fit this group like a glove.

Lynne Arriale Trio – Being Human (Challenge Records)

Lynne Arriale has a new disc, with ten compositions meant to evoke different aspects of Being Human. Her new album finds her in her preferred trio format, with Alon Near playing the bass and Lukasz Zyta handling the drumming duties.  Now, I may be way off my rocker here, but, to these ears, it certainly sounds like each one of these songs and/or feelings seems to hint at a different influential pianist. “Passion” sounds like she’s hearing Lyle Mays (Pat Metheny Group). “Faith” has note bends that scream early/mid-70’s Keith Jarrett. There is certainly more than a hint of Cecil Taylor to be found in “Curiosity,” and “Love” feels as if she’s pulling inspiration straight from Brad Mehldau. If, however, these are just songs meant to describe these varying functions of being human, then Arriale has proven herself to be a kaleidoscope of inspiration and information that informs every note choice she makes. No matter how one hears Being Human, it is a fascinating album.

Kandace Springs – Run Your Race (SRP Records)

After Kandace Springs’ last CD, The Women Who Raised Me, I was excited to hear what she’d deliver next. If that previous effort was a display of her influences, from Billie Holiday to Nina Simone to Sade, Run Your Race is her path forward. It’s a mostly original program, with two notable exceptions. There’s a beautiful rendition of “Wild is the Wind,” and Springs’ take on a song from the Barbie movie soundtrack, “What Was I Made For?” might be the best tune on the album. “So Far, So Near” is a gorgeous, string-laden ballad. Elena Pinderhughes’ features on “Chasing Shadows” makes it clear that the Jazz world needs to hear more from the young flautist, and Kandace acquits herself nicely on “We’ll Find a Way,” a Bossa Nova that showcases her vocal and piano skills. The final track on the album, “If I Had My Way” finds Springs by herself on the vocals and piano, and it’s a lovely way to wrap up the journey.