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

Rahsaan Barber & Everyday Magic – Six Words (Jazz Music City)

First off, I think it’s necessary to state that Rahsaan Barber has some hip parents. Naming one of their sons and Rahsaan and another one Roland, it is clear that they have excellent taste in music and they clearly knew that Bright Moments were ahead for their sons. Rahsaan plays saxophone, Roland plays trombone, Chicagoan Pharez Whitted provides the super-hot trumpet playing, and this rhythm section is fantastic, too, featuring Matt Endahl on piano, Kevin Beardsley on bass and Joshua Hunt sits behind the drums. “Unity Part I” is a fantastic way to start off the record, reminding me a little bit of Lee Morgan’s Search for the New Land. “The Long Wait for Justice” might similarly take a minute to warm up, but your patience will be rewarded nicely. “Sun Dance” livens the mood with a charming melody and jaunty rhythm. “Remembering Roy” is the poignant ballad that lives up to its name, and the closer, “Open Sesame” is a nice, loose jam that ends the disc on a very high note.

Milton Nascimento & Esperanza Spalding – Milton + Esperanza (Heads Up)

Whether intentional or not, Milton + Esperanza, the new album from Milton Nascimento (legendary Brazilian musician and composer) and Esperanza Spalding (always interesting bassist, composer, vocalist, educator, etc) reminds me of Antonio Carlos Jobim & Elis Regina’s Elis e Tom. The disc offers up a mix of tracks featuring a small group, some with a full-blown orchestra, and more than a few that lead straight down the rabbit hole of the principals’ eccentricities. And much like Elis e Tom is one of my favorite vocal albums of all time, Milton + Esperanza shares many of the same lovable qualities. This won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, but if it’s yours, you’re going to hear a lot worth sinking your teeth (and ears!) into!

Ben Wolfe – The Understated (Resident Arts)

Bassist Ben Wolfe, across numerous albums with various lineups through the years, has proven himself to be really, really good at writing music that sounds like it should be featured in an old black and white crime movie, with the private detective and the puddle filled streets in the middle of the night. On The Understated, he keeps that streak going, and I, for one, am thrilled with that fact. Wolfe is joined by a stellar crew, with Nicole Glover playing tenor saxophone, Aaron Kimmel playing drums, and either Orrin Evans or Sullivan Fortner at the piano. “Occam’s Razor” and “Beautiful You,” sadly, will feature two of Russell Malone’s final performances. I am happy to say, however, that they are both excellent examples of his musicality. “The Poet Speaks,” is dark, ominous, and a great way to start off the proceedings. Having the tenor and bass play the theme to “Anagram” in unison is a slick move. “Ballad in B,” “Barely Spoken” and the aforementioned “Beautiful You” are the three lovely ballads on the album. Whether you need a crime scene scored or a love scene soundtracked, Ben Wolfe’s got you covered on The Understated.