New Releases Spotlight: Week of June 29, 2015

Hey all –

This week in The Music Lounge, music director Paul Abella takes a look at music from the pen of Gary McFarland, the organ of Brian Charette and the voice of Joan Collaso:

First, let’s start with the latest from Chicago vocalist Joan Collaso, My Heart Speaks.  Joan’s a vital contributor to jazz scene in Chicago both as a singer and a concert promoter. Her new disc blends contemporary and straight-ahead styles.  Her crack band grooves mightily throughout, swinging nicely on "Love & Me," and gets a funky slow burn going on "Four Seasons."  There’s a lot to like here, and I’m sure you’ll be looking forward to hearing this one a few times in the coming weeks and months.

Organist Brian Charette has been keeping busy as of late, appearing as a sideman in quite a few spots, as well as releasing a lot of new material.  His latest, on the Posi-Tone label is called Alphabet City.  This all-star session features Will Bernard on guitar, Rudy Royston on the drums, and of course, Charette on the B3.  Alphabet City really is kind of an album for everyone when it comes to organ jazz.  It’s got some deep jazz funk a la Medeski, Martin and Wood… and it’s got some hard swinging sounds that might remind some of Joey DeFrancesco.  Put all of that in one album, and you’ve got a welcome addition to our new release stacks here at WDCB.

Finally, one of the most surprising discs I’ve seen yet this year comes from the Gary McFarland Legacy Band.  Their album Circulation features some really excellent arranging and an outstanding cast of characters including Joe Locke.  My favorites on this disc (and there are many) include "Bridgehampton Strut," "Dragonhead" and "Blue Hodge."  You’ll be in for a whole disc’s worth of treats as we spend some more time with the album, here on WDCB.

Next week in The Music Lounge, I’ll review new releases for you.  ‘Til then… keep your ears open!