New Releases Spotlight: Week of April 27, 2015

This week in The Music Lounge, music director Paul Abella takes a look at three new recordings, two from excellent bass players Harvie S and Ben Williams, and the latest from saxophonist Tom Tallitsch:

First off, Harvie S and Sheryl Bailey have a new duet album out called Plucky Strum.  This is a really interesting album, featuring Bailey on acoustic guitar (something you rarely see in jazz outside of “Hot Club” styled ensembles), and Harvie S on acoustic bass.  The textures are unique amongst the rest of our new releases as of late, and it will stand out nicely.  I think you’ll like this one.  I know I do.
 

The new disc from bassist Ben Williams is titled Coming of Age.  If you liked what you heard from Theo Croker, or you’ve been loving the music you have heard on 90.9 over the last few months from Marquis Hill, then this will be right up your alley.  This release has a definite R&B flavor, and the grooves throughout the disc are tasty.  Christian Scott, Stefon Harris and Etienne Charles all make cameos here. 
 

Finally, saxophonist Tom Tallitsch has a new side out on Posi-Tone Records called All Together Now.  I became a fan of Tom’s after his last disc, Ride.  Tom’s an “in the pocket” player with the ability to write some pretty cool tunes, and he’s got an ear for turning pop and rock “deep cuts” into outstanding jazz.  He does that here on The Band’s The Night They Drove Dixie Down and Frank Zappa’s Uncle Remus.  Add in some really nice writing for a three-horn front line, and you’ve got a cookin’ disc that you’ll be hearing a lot of in the coming weeks here on WDCB.

Paul will have more new releases next week in The Music Lounge!  …‘til next time, keep your ears open!