What's new on WDCB? ... with Paul Abella

Eric Binder Trio – Hard Bop (Ropeadope)

Eric Binder is a Chicago-based drummer who went to New York to record with two rising stars: saxophonist Walter Smith III, and bassist Pete Klampanis. The result is their new album, Hard Bop. There’s more than a hint of Sonny Rollins’ trio records here, and that is a great thing.

Steve Cardenas – Blue Has a Range (Sunnyside)

Guitarist Steve Cardenas shows up on lots of recording, but doesn’t record as a leader very often. He changes that with Blue Has a Range, his latest on Sunnyside that features includes Jon Cowheard on piano, Ben Allison on bass, and Brian Blade on drums. Together, they’ve made a mellow and beautiful album that showcases great composing and nearly telepathic soloing.

Rina – Rina (Yamaha)

Pianist Rina moved from Japan to Boston to attend the Berklee School of Music, and now resides in New York. The first I’d heard of her was when her CD crossed my desk, and now her self-titled debut stands out as one of my happy surprises of 2020. It’s a truly lovely trio disc with Yasushi Nakamura on bass and Jerome Jennings on drums, which runs through a gorgeous program of all original material. I’m looking forward to getting to play this one for you on DCB Jazz.