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

Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio: I Told You So (Colemine)

Organist Delvon Lamarr is helping to make 2021 a little bit funkier with his new album I Told You So. He’s joined by his longtime guitarist Jimmy James, and drummer Grant Schroff for a romp through eight originals - plus the best version of Wham’s "Careless Whisper" that you’ve ever heard. If you ever wished that Booker T. & the MG’s were just a little jazzier, then this is your group. For me, anyway, this batch of JB’s inflected Jazz-Funk is just what the doctor ordered.

Allan Harris: Kate’s Soulfood (self-produced)

Over the course of guitarist/vocalist Allan Harris’ last few albums, we’ve heard him tackle the classics he remembers from his youth, as well as music of Eddie Jefferson. Those have been great, swinging albums. But on his latest, Kate’s Soulfood, Harris has written all of the music and lyrics, and the result is an interesting and grooving album that recalls Gregory Porter in both timbre and subject material.  "I Grew Up (Kate’s Place)", "Open Up!" and others are likely going to get more than a few spins over the course of the next few weeks on WDCB.

Lara Driscoll & Chris White: Firm Roots (self-produced)

Chris White and Lara Driscoll are both celebrated pianists in Chicago and fantastic composers, as well as being husband and wife. With Firm Roots, their instrumental duo, they put their talents together to produce Firm Roots, the album, where they shine a spotlight on their playing, composing and arranging skills. The musicianship and writing is great; I especially like "One Foot First", "Tu M’as Convaincu" and the lovely reading of "Willow Weep for Me". The originals really stand out, and I hope we hear more from the Firm Roots duo as this is quite an enjoyable album.