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

Tim Fitzgerald’s Full House (Cellar Live)

Tim Fitzgerald is a busy guitarist in Chicago, playing with musicians all over town. And, with Tim Fitzgerald’s Full House, he’s finally stepped out on his own. Tim Fitzgerald’s Full House is a love letter to the legendary Wes Montgomery, with a local all-star cast featuring Victor Garcia on trumpet, Greg Ward and Chris Madsen on saxophones and the rhythm section of Tom Vaitsas, Christian Dillingham and George Fludas.  The arrangers on the session, Victor Garcia, Chris Madsen and Tim Fitzgerald, were smart to come at these classic songs from all new angles, and the result is a fantastic and fresh listen.

Tracye Eileen – You Hit the Spot (Honey Crystal)

Chicago vocalist Tracye Eileen has a great voice and two solid bands altogether on her new disc, You Hit the Spot. The Tracye Eileen Band, featured on three cuts, is an octet that sounds even bigger due to a three horn front line and some smart arranging, and a trio plus vocal configuration that swings and sways nicely. All eight selections here are well chosen standards that we all know and enjoy. “They Can’t Take That Away From Me,” “Almost Like Being in Love” and a version of “Just In Time” that even includes the verse is sublime.

Joe Marcinek Band – 5 (Vintage League Music)

Northwest Indiana guitarist Joe Marcinek is back with his fifth album, 5. He’s got a core trio here (organist Robert Walter and drummer Pete Koopmans) with a guest shot from keyboarding Greg Spero, and the horns of Alex Wasily and Sean Erick on two tunes. Just like on all of Marcinek’s albums, he walks a tightrope between funky jazz and jazzy jam band, and on 5, he’s bringing some great songs to the table, as well. “Dog,” “Bulldog,” and “Doggone Blues Again” (I’m noticing a pattern here) are all fantastic, and will be among the highlights that you’ll be hearing on DCB Jazz.