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

Neal Alger – Old Souls (Calligram Records)

Chicago based guitarist Neal Alger has finally released some new music that I think Jazz fans are going to love. Old Souls features a stellar band, with trumpeter Chad McCullough, saxophonist Chris Madsen, bassist Clark Sommers and drummer Dana Hall. Playing through a set of almost all original material, this group sounds delightful. “This is Not a Test” is my favorite song on here, at least as of right now. It’s a medium tempo swinger with a knotty melody that gives way to propulsive solos from Madsen, Hall and Alger. “Go with the Sco-Flow” tips its hat to John Scofield’s rhythmic phrasing without attempting to copy Sco’s immediately recognizable tone. The first minute or so of “Choro Delinquente” might give off strong samba vibes at first, but that gives way to a menacing funky groove, which then makes another twist and then yet another. It’s Whitney Balliet’s quote about Jazz being the “sound of surprise” come to life. Old Souls is a delightful album, and even though we’re only in March, I’ve got to think this one will end up on a few 2024 best-of lists in another 8 or 9 months from now.

The Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra – And So It Goes (RMI Records)

The Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra is a West Coast institution. Even after the passing of Jeff Clayton in 2020, bassist John Clayton and drummer Jeff Hamilton continue to lead the band on their latest album, And So It Goes. Featuring a diverse range of material, from the gutbucket blues of “See See Rider” or the 70’s pop of Billy Joel’s “And So It Goes,” to the modern jazz in a big band context of “Thelonious,” “Haitian Fight Song,” or Ray Brown’s fantastic ode to Art Blakey, “Buhaina, Buhaina,” this is an exceptionally pleasant big band record that reaches for the stars, and largely succeeds.

Jill McCarron Trio – Gin (Jazz Bird Records)

New York Pianist Jill McCarron has recently released her second album, Gin. A nice mix of standards like “My Shining Hour” and “Yesterdays,” Jazz classics such as Horace Silver’s “The Jody Grind,” Denny Zeitlin’s “Quiet Now” and Kenny Dorham’s “Monaco” and an original suite, too. Joining Ms. McCarron on the album are bassist Paul Gill and drummer Andy Watson, plus guest stars Vincent Herring, Ada Rovatti and Randy Brecker. McCarron’s playing merges Jazz and classical in some interesting ways, so her intro to Junior Mance’s “Jubilation” seems to bring together the best of both worlds. By the time you’ve added in the powerful playing of Herring, Rovatti and Brecker, you’re listening to an early document of an impressive pianist who I am sure will be receiving more and more accolades and attention in the near future.