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

Gerry Gibbs – Songs From My Father (Whaling City Sound)

Drummer Gerry Gibbs 15th release is the result of a 15,000 mile pandemic road trip in which he managed to pull together four different lineups of his ”Thrasher Dream Trio.” The double-disc set features some of the last recordings of Chick Corea and the astounding list of all-star guests also includes pianists Kenny Barron, Geoffrey Keezer, and Patrice Rushen, organist Larry Goldings, plus bassists Ron Carter, Buster Williams and Christian McBride. Together they play a set of Gerry’s father Terry Gibbs’ compositions with freshness and verve.      

Rahsaan Barber – Mosaic (Jazz Music City)

Saxophonist Rahsaan Barber may be a new name to some listeners, but his new double-disc set of all original jazz compositions may remedy that in a hurry. A product of the Nashville jazz scene (yes, they do have more than just country in Nashville) who is currently an educator at the University of North Carolina, Barber recorded these 16 songs in just two days in the studio and it is an impressive effort. Barber’s group includes his trombone playing brother Roland Barber and the entire unit adds contemporary inflections and funky grooves to an acoustic hard bop based sound with exciting results. 

The Baylor Project – Generations (Be a Light)

The latest release from the wife & husband team of vocalist Jean Baylor and drummer Marcus Baylor blends gospel influences and modern r&b touches in with their considerable jazz chops on a program of songs that, as the title Generations implies, celebrates a continuum of family, culture and music. Highlights include Jean’s inspired vocal take on Wayne Shorter’s classic “Infant Eyes” and the guest appearance of vocalists Jazzmeia Horn and Dianne Reeves on a lively standout called “We Swing.”