What's New on WDCB... with Dan Bindert

Cecile McLorin Salvant - With Every Breath I Take (Nonesuch)

The sheer mastery and magnificence of Cecile McLorin Salvant’s voice is simply unmatched among her contemporaries in 2026. Along with her highly-developed instrument, her eclectic song choices and playful attitude take her into territory that few other “jazz” singers tread.

Together with her brilliant pianist Sullivan Fortner, impeccable orchestral accompaniment provided by the Dutch Metropole Orkest with arrangements by Darcy James Argue, Salvant explores everything from Ellingtonia to Sondheim to French film music. There’s even a Buddy Johnson ‘50s R&B ballad in the mix. Most striking of all is Salvant’s own original lyric of longing and heartbreak, titled “Left Over.” This isn’t a swinging jazz album, but it’s the type of grand project few vocalists outside the realm of Sarah, Streisand, Sinatra …or Salvant… can successfully pull off.

Bruce Williams - Solid Perspective (WJ3 Records)

Williams grew up in Washington D.C. and has been part of the NYC/NJ scene for a few decades now. His alto and soprano saxophones have been heard on scores of albums since the ‘90s, including five discs as a leader. His latest includes five of his own original compositions to go along with interpretations of compositions from Jackie McLean, Wayne Shorter and Cole Porter.

Among the highlights:  Both Williams and drummer/producer Willie Jones III both spent significant time making music with the late Roy Hargrove, so Williams’ original “The Matriarch” has a nice bit of the rhythmic kick that you might expect, given those musical associations with the Hargrove. Also, Williams captures some of McLean’s fire on “Melody for Melanae” without imitating the saxophone legend’s biting tone. And pianist Brandon McCune’s decades of church experience give authentic feeling to the subtly gospel infused message tune “Why Can’t We.” 

Joey Alexander - Celestial Keeper (Mack Avenue)

Joey Alexander’s latest finds him again expanding beyond his original piano trio concept with a set that includes a pair of improvised solo piano interludes, three tracks featuring the strong alto and soprano saxophone work of Jaleel Shaw, plus a vocal each from Lisa Fischer and Alita Moses. He also continues to update his sound, with a winning combination here featuring his own Fender Rhodes plus the electric bass of Kriss Funn on the funky “Deep Calls to Deep.” In the end, Alexander’s work might just shine the brightest on his up-tempo, acoustic trio rendition of the old standard “Stella By Starlight.”