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

Entre Amigos – Entre Amigos (self-released)

The young Chicago all-star group calling themselves Entre Amigos has released their debut self-titled album, and it is a charmer. Roy McGrath is the tenor saxophonist, Hana Fujisaki is their pianist, Kitt Lyles is playing bass, and Gustavo Cortiñas is the drummer. All four composed music for the album, and that fact gives this disc a very broad feel across its eight songs. “Windy City” evokes its subject nicely, mirroring the hustle and bustle, and the moments of melancholy that come with living in a huge metropolis. “Monkody” might be one of the single best Thelonious Monk impersonations (compositionally speaking, anyway) I’ve ever come across. “Matsuri” shows that Entre Amigos can do wonders with a samba without making it feel contrived in the slightest. I hope that this Entre Amigos CD is followed by a metric boatload of Entre Amigos gigs, because I want to hear what this band is doing with a year or two of steady work under its belt.

Diego Rivera – Ofrenda (Posi-Tone)

Saxophonist Diego Rivera is back with a new album for Posi-Tone Records with the usual suspects backing him up in Art Hirahara (piano), Boris Kozlov (bass) and Rudy Royston (drums). Trumpeter Terell Stafford is also in on the fun. And fun is the key word on this delightful, swingin’ release. “Pan de Muerto” is a blast to listen to. I have no idea how these guys keep up the pace that they do on “Cosas,” but it is an amazing feat. “Fotografias” has a lovely bounce to it that reminds me of Ahmad Jamal’s take on Poinciana. I have to assume that was the desired effect. Ofrenda is yet another solid record from Rivera and friends on Posi-Tone, and I think you’ll be hearing a lot of it on WDCB.

Joe Baione – Vibe Check (self-released)

Vibraphonist Joe Baione has released a nice new album called Vibe Check. A tongue in cheek album title that nonetheless gets the point across, that sure, this album is led by a vibraphonist, but he’s also trying to set a mood throughout. I think he succeeds. Of course, part of that equation is surrounding yourself with the people who can do the job. Surely, we all know that Duane Eubanks is a world class trumpeter, and Jerome Jennings is an up and coming drummer who will be getting all of the accolades and attention he deserves in the next few years. Pianist Toru Dodo, if this album is any indication, will be getting plenty of recognition soon enough, and bassist Marco Panascia does a fine job of holding down the groove throughout. “The Journey,” “Lost Control,” “The Chase,” “Faith is My Destiny,” “Quiet Ways” and “Lulu” are all cut from the same cloth of sounding like extremely well played swingin’ 60’s bachelor pad music. Which is fun, cheeky and ultimately lovable. The Jazz world could do well with more music played with a wink and a nod and a big smile. That’s why Joe Baione passes this Vibe Check.