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

This week, I wanted to throw the spotlight on some of the new and notable holiday releases that you'll be hearing this week on DCB Jazz...

Hendrik Meurkens – Christmas Vibes (RHP)

Harmonica player extraordinaire, and now vibraphonist as well, Hendrik Meurkens, has got a case of the Christmas Vibes. Joined by Steve Rudolph on the piano, John Shannon on guitar, Tony Depaolis on bass and Reid Hoyson on drums, this quintet plays a handful of Christmas classics that are perfect for some Holiday grooving. Vince Guaraldi’s “Christmas Time is Here” gets paired with Thad Jones’ “A Child is Born” for a moving medley that works quite well, “All Through the Night” gets a bluesy reinvention, and “Sleigh Ride” works really well as a Samba.

Greta Pope & The Marshall Vente Quartet – Christmas Time Is Here (self-released)

Vocalist Greta Pope has teamed up with WDCB’s own Marshall Vente for a lovely romp through a handful of Christmas classics. Marshall, if you didn’t know, is an accomplished pianist, and he’s joined here by Glenn Reitsma (guitar), Jim Batson (bass) and Steve Shebar (drums). Christmas Time Is Here might feature 9 well-known chestnuts, but there’s still room for surprises here and there. The uptempo take on “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” is a welcome departure from its usual speed, “The Christmas Waltz” gets a really nice reading, and Marshall’s flair for Brazilian grooves makes “Winter Wonderland” and “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” fresh and well worth repeated listenings.

Jane Monheit – The Merriest (Club 44 Records)

Vocalist Jane Monheit is taking her second crack at a Christmas album (the first was 2005’s The Season) with The Merriest. This is a much more subdued affair, and for Jazz fans, that’s a great thing. We also get a few songs that aren’t the usual holiday fare, like “That Holiday Feeling” or the first recording of Cy Coleman’s “(Christmas) Stay With Me.” Add in quite lovely renditions of “Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!,” “Winter Wonderland” and “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of The Year,” and you get a nice addition to the Christmas record collection.

... and a couple of singles that made their way to us this year…

Rachael and Vilray – "Just Me This Year" (Nonesuch)

Vocalist Rachael Price and guitarist/vocalist Vilray put out a charming album in 2019, and their follow-up is due early in 2023. In order to whet our whistles, they released “Just Me This Year.” More of a “December Song” than a “Christmas Song,” it’s a fun listen nonetheless, and I hope you get to hear it a few more times this week.

Samara Joy – "Warm in December" (Verve)

Seemingly everybody’s favorite new singer in 2022, Samara Joy also revived a Julie London classic for the holiday season this year called “Warm in December.” Much like most of her latest album, Linger Awhile, Samara Joy is joined by a piano trio that keeps the mood light and swinging. I dare you to not tap a foot and smile while you’re listening to this.