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

The Greg Abate Quartet – Positive Energy (Summit)

Saxophonist Greg Abate returns in 2025 with a new album called Positive Energy, and it sounds just like its name. Joined by John Rangel on piano, Terry Burns on bass and Dave Post on drums, the title track gets everything off to a rousing start. “Monkism” doesn’t bare as much resemblance to its namesake as one might expect, but it is quirky and enjoyable on its own terms. “Lookin’ Ahead” sounds like Greg Abate was listening to lots of late 60’s McCoy Tyner when he wrote that melody, and that’s a good thing indeed. The standard “Easy Living” gets a lovely reading, and the brooding closer, “Deep Seated Reality,” makes for some nice interplay between Abate and Rangel. All in all, an energetic album that I can give a positive thumbs up!

WDR Big Band – Bluegrass (MCG Jazz)

I wasn’t expecting an album from the WDR Big Band called Bluegrass. I also wasn’t expecting an album named Bluegrass to be made up of two-thirds original material. It might be reasonable to expect a Jazz album named Bluegrass to employ the talents of violinist Darol Anger and mandolin player Mike Marshall, both of whom regularly scoff at the notion of genres or boundaries. However, in March of 2025, we find ourselves here, with an album by the WDR Big Band named Bluegrass, featuring not only Bob Mintzer, but also Misters Anger and Marshall. If Bluegrass works, it’s because Mintzer wisely doesn’t have the WDR Big Band approximating the high lonesome sound, and he also doesn’t try to get Anger and Marshall to swing. Instead, we get an acoustic, chicken-fried, big band take on The Yellowjackets, and that works. “Replace it All” sounds about as funky as I’ve ever heard the WDR Big Band get. “Borealis” is a treat for these ears; I’ve always loved Mike Marshall’s writing, and Mintzer’s arrangement really makes this one sing. Jazz and “traditional music” don’t get many opportunities to co-exist, but when they happen, sparks can fly. WDR’s Bluegrass, in its finest moments, is one of those happenings.

Ben Markley – Tell the Truth (OA2 Records)

The title track to pianist Ben Markley’s album Tell the Truth tells you an awful lot. Markley clearly likes to swing. Markley surrounds himself with talented players – he’s joined here by guitarist Steve Kovalcheck, saxophonist Wil Swindler, bassist Rodney Whitaker, and Chicago based drummer Kyle Swan. Tasty, grooving, swinging tempos with more than a hint of Pat Metheny in the songwriting is where Tell the Truth lives, and truth be told, that’s a great neighborhood to live in. “Snowy Range Blues” hangs on a cool piano motif that makes it feel moody, cool and slick, all at the same time (it’s a highlight of the album to these ears). I don’t know who Spencer is, but if “Spencer’s Mood” is any indication, he’s a pretty funky character. Ben Markley is going to be a piano player to watch. There’s some interesting writing and playing happening on Tell the Truth, and if there’s more on the horizon, I’m sure it will be even more fascinating.