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

Warren Wolf – Christmas Vibes (Mack Avenue)

As of late, vibraphonist Warren Wolf has been dabbling with different musical ideas, from his 2016 album Convergence (which was heavily-influenced by Bobby Hutcherson) to the funk and R&B sound of his 2020 album Reincarnation. On Christmas Vibes, we hear a relaxed Wolf showcasing a little bit of everything he’s been doing over the last few years... from his grooving gems off Vince Guaraldi’s A Charlie Brown Christmas, to funkier jams on John Lennon’s "Happy Xmas" and the Donny Hathaway classic "This Christmas". There’s truly something for every stocking on Christmas Vibes.

Brian Bromberg – Celebrate Me Home: The Holiday Sessions (Mack Avenue)

Like many, the versatile bassist Brian Bromberg has put out an album just in time for the Holiday season. Celebrate Me Home: The Holiday Sessions is a wide-ranging affair, with some rather smooth moments, some brassy big band vocal numbers, and a few that he clearly did for his own amusement. Those self-indulgent moments (my favorites, in fact) include a spirited run through "Deck the Halls" and "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen", as well as the best jazz version of "You’re A Mean One Mr. Grinch" that I’ve ever heard.

Jamie Cullum – The Pianoman at Christmas (Blue Note)

Okay, I’ve got to admit, I don’t get excited about Christmas albums too often. But when I realized that Jamie Cullum decided to write nine new songs for The Pianoman at Christmas, my ears perked up. And my intuition was right! Sure, this is full-on orchestrated, with sleigh bells on every tune, pop-jazz...but it’s done well, and the energy on the album is palpable.