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

Joe Farnsworth – City of Sounds (Smoke Sessions)

Drummer Joe Farnsworth has just released a nice trio disc with Kenny Barron (piano) and Peter Washington (bass). When I see names like that, I expect that album to swing hard. And swing they do on “New York Attitude” and “Bud-Like.” And I expect that album to be right in the pocket, exactly like they are on the title track, “City of Sounds.” And I expect some really beautiful ballad work, and I’m not disappointed there either, like you’ll hear on “Moonlight in Vermont.” Farnsworth’s City of Sounds meets expectations. And then some.

Diane Delin – Chicago Standard Time (Blujazz)

It’s been too long since we’ve heard from Chicago violinist Diane Delin. And while Chicago Standard Time may be a new archival release recorded in 1991, it’s very much worth hearing. Joined by pianist Jodie Christian, bassist Kelly Sill and drummer Steve Davis, it’s a lovely, snapshot of Chicago Jazz at one particular moment in time. Delin’s own “For the Moment” kicks off the proceedings with a nice Bossa Nova flavored groove, and the standards here are quite nice as well, with compositions by Fats Waller (“Gee Baby, Ain’t I Good To You”), Billie Holiday (“God Bless the Child”) and George Gershwin (“They Can’t Take That Away From Me”). I wish there was more here (there’s five tracks, total). But what is here is well worth hearing.

Chick Corea Akoustic Band – LIVE (Concord)

When pianist Chick Corea passed away earlier this year, it was a painful blow to Jazz lovers around the world. But, his legacy and his music live on, and I’m grateful for releases like LIVE by the Chick Corea Akoustic Band. Chick, of course, plays piano, and is joined in this ensemble by John Patitucci on bass and Dave Weckl on drums.  The three of them together are a machine, and hearing these beloved songs unfold in new ways 30+ years after the Akoustic Band’s original recordings are a revelation. Whether they’re playing classic standards like “On Green Dolphin Street” or legendary songs from their own songbook, like “Morning Sprite,” this is the sound of pure, unadulterated joy. I can only hope that you enjoy this one as much as I do.