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

Bob James & Dave Koz – Just Us (Just Koz)

Bob James and especially Dave Koz are not names normally associated with straight ahead Jazz, but 2025 is a year of interesting times, so hey, why not put out a stellar album of acoustic duets? That’s how we get to Just Us, featuring pianist Bob James and alto saxophonist Dave Koz. I had no doubt that they’d sound great together; Bob James seems to work great with everyone dating back to his days as a session keyboardist for CTI Records in the 1970’s, and Dave Koz is obviously a pro with a lot of miles logged through the years. What I wasn’t expecting was a disc with heartfelt and moving takes on standards like “My Ship,” “All the Way,” “Smile” and “On the Sunny Side of the Street.” And the originals on here? James and Koz sound invigorated on “Sommation” “Fontaine d’Alice” and “T W O.” I think Just Us is going to introduce a handful of people to Bob James and Dave Koz who might have missed them both through the years. But, there’s a going to be a bunch of people (present company included) who will be downright surprised by what comes out of the speakers. And that’s a great thing, indeed.

Nnenna Freelon – Beneath the Skin (Origin Records)

Nnenna Freelon’s latest album, Beneath the Skin, is a concept album about looking within. Of the ten songs here, Freelon co-wrote nine of them. She certainly pulled together an amazing squad to bring these compositions to life, featuring Alan Pasqua on keys, Keith Ganz on guitar, Evan Roberson on trombone, Shana Tucker on cello, Jonathan Richards on bass and Steve Hass on drums, this band can play whatever Nnenna’s got on her mind, from the slyly swinging “Black Iris,” to the Cassandra Wilson-esque “Widow Song,” or the end of the night vibes of “Here’s Your Hat.” Freelon’s always been a capable singer with chops and willing to take some chances, so there’s few surprises on Beneath the Skin. But there certainly is a deeply personal feel to the album, and I, for one, am grateful, for the glimpse into one artist’s soul.

Shelley Yoelin/Gabriel Datcu Quintet – Rojo (self-produced)

If you take five sharp musicians, and give them a place to play nearly every Tuesday, a band with solid tunes, great interplay and a unique sound will develop. That’s what’s happened with the Shelley Yoelin/Gabriel Datcu Quintet at Rojo Gusano, and they tip their collective hat to their weekly home on their new album Rojo. Saxophonist Yoelin and guitarist Datcu are joined by trumpeter Sam Robinson, bassist Caleb Drake and drummer Rick Shandling, and together, they make Rojo a fiery listen. Yoelin’s two contributions to the album, “Secret Steps” and “Goin Out” give the band plenty of room to stretch out, and they make the best of those opportunities. Not to be outdone, Robinson’s “Leia” is a burner, too. Things mellow out in the middle of the album during “Pensando en Ti” and “Rojo,” and it’s nice to see a different side of this group on these two songs. Drummer Shandling brings in the downright explosive “Hurricane Debi,” and it’s clear that everyone’s enjoying themselves on this one. Rojo is a fine document of a fantastic band working in and around Chicago, and you’d do well to check them out sooner than later.