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

Jazz From Planet Flippo – Dedications (Oppilf)

Chicago pianist Dave Flippo’s Jazz from Planet Flippo has a new album out called Dedications. Joined by a solid crew of Dan Hesler on sax and flute, Donn de Santo on bass, and Heath Chappell & Aras Biskis on drums and percussion, Flippo has put together a really nice set of originals and reinterpretations of the music of Stevie Wonder, Radiohead and even Amy Winehouse. Everything swings and is well-conceived. “Four-Four Waltz,” for improbable as the name is, actually works as planned, and Flippo’s take on Stevie’s “Too High” is a highlight. There’s a lot to like here, and Flippo should be proud of what he’s done with Dedications. I look forward to playing it for you on WDCB!

Michael Dease – Give It All You Got (Posi-Tone)

Trombonist Michael Dease is back with his 14th album, Give It All You Got. Joined by a phenomenal crew including saxophonist Gregory Tardy, trumpeter Anthony Stanco, organist Jim Alfredson, drummer Ulysses Owens, Jr and a few cameos (including Chicago’s own Sharel Cassity), this disc has a little of everything. From the Spanish Tinge of “A Sliver of Silver” to the deeply swinging “Parker’s Fancy,” Give It All You Got is a fantastic collection of songs.

John Hasselback III – Entrance (Hasselcastle)

Trumpeter John Hasselback III has just released his debut album, Entrance, and it’s an impressive effort. From the first notes of the first song, “B.F.G.,” which evokes the Miles Davis Quintet of the mid-60’s, or “Scarborough Street,” which is reminiscent of Lee Morgan’s albums with Billy Higgins for Blue Note, it’s clear that this is an impressive disc assembled by a solid group of musicians. Taber Gable (piano), Luques Curtis (bass) and Jonathan Barber (drums) make up the rhythm section, and Wayne Escoffery (tenor sax) and Steve Davis (trombone) contribute on four songs each, and on “Body and Soul,” Hasselback has the spotlight all to himself.