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

Jeremy Pelt – Woven (High Note)

Trumpeter Jeremy Pelt is a fascinating character. Always moving, always evolving, he never seems to stay comfortable in one space for too long. On his latest album, Woven, he’s made leaps once again that stretch him from his previous efforts in some great ways. As always, he assembled a great band for the session, including the wonderful Jalen Baker on vibes, Misha Mendelanko playing guitar, Leighton Harrell on bass, and drummer Jared Spears. The loping “Afrofuturism” is fascinating for the way that each of its soloists approach the swinging mid-tempo strut when it comes time to solo. It’s interesting to note that Pelt is absent on “13/14” until nearly halfway through the song. Letting the vibraphonist and guitarist do the heavy lifting out front is a bold move from a confident and well-seasoned leader. “Fair Weather” is a lovely ballad, and “Labyrinth” closes out the album with finely tuned and highly caffeinated jolt. I, for one, am a fan.

Paul Vornhagen – Live at the Blue Llama (self-produced)

I think we’d all agree, as Jazz fans, that the best way to hear Jazz is live, and the next best way is to hear a well-recorded live album. Paul Vornhagen’s Quartet gives exactly that second option with their latest album, Live at the Blue Llama, recorded at the famous jazz venue in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Vornhagen handles all of the woodwinds, and the vocals on three standards. Pat Cronley is the pianist, Patrick Prouty is the bassist and Larry Ochiltree is the drummer on the set. These four click nicely together, and Vornhagen writes some compelling originals, like “Montuno Salad” and “Hey Pops.” “Caravan” makes nice use of Vornhagen’s flute skills, and it’s always a nice surprise to see someone doing Ray Brown’s (or is that Steve Allen’s?) “The Gravy Waltz.”

Jim Mullen – For Heavens Sake (Stunt Records)

Scottish Jazz guitarist Jim Mullen has quite the resume. Playing with everyone from Brian Auger’s Oblivion Express to Funk superstars The Average White Band to vocalist Claire Martin, he hasn’t stepped out on his own all that often. Well, on For Heavens Sake, he has, and the band he pulled together for the occasion is a smokin’ one. First off, it’s great to see Chicago’s own Ben Paterson getting international recognition for his organ playing. On this album, it’s a huge part of its success. Jan Harbeck is a full-throated Danish tenor sax player, and you’ve also heard Kristian Leth recently on Scott Hamilton’s latest album.  What came out of their time together was a collection of nine standards, a Jimmy McGriff tune (“Kiko”) and one Mullen original (“Medication”). Everything here from the drama of “Angel Eyes” to the stompin’ good time of “Caravan” is tasty and well worth a listen.