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

Out To Dinner: Play On (Posi-Tone)

So, the brains behind Posi-Tone Records is smart about a bunch of things…he gets good young players, gets them to make in the pocket records, and everybody digs them. And with increasing frequency, he’s grouping those players into something akin to all-star bands. And one of those groups is Out to Dinner. Saxophonist Nicole Glover, trumpeter Giveton Gelin, vibraphonist Behn Gillece, bassist Boris Kozlov and drummer Donald Edwards make for a powerful and grooving quintet. "Random" is a genuine rump-shaker. "Asami’s Playland" is a beautiful ballad. And on this mostly original program, they make the renditions of other folks’ music count, with a great version of Stevie Wonder’s "Visions", and ripping version of Lee Morgan’s "Short Count", that evokes his label mate, Jackie McLean. In other words, there is a lot to love here.

Rossano Sportiello: That’s It! (Arbors Jazz)

Rossano Sportiello, an Italian pianist that calls New York City home these days, has released a really nice solo piano disc called That’s It! Chock full of classics penned by Fats Waller, Dick Hyman, George Gershwin, it’s also filled with some rather nice original compositions. Sportiello’s playing is certainly going to catch some comparisons to Waller and Hyman, and that’s a great thing indeed.

Alyssa Allgood: What Tomorrow Brings (Cellar Live)

Here’s the thing about Alyssa Allgood…she gets exponentially better with each album. On her latest, What Tomorrow Brings, she’s got a fantastic crew along for the ride – Mike Allemana on guitar, Dennis Carroll on bass and George Fludas on drums. There is some chance taking here…"This Bitter Earth" at a swinging tempo is a bold move, and it works. And kudos to Allgood – many of the highlights on What Tomorrow Brings are her originals. "Enclosure", in particular stands out to these ears.