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

Eric Alexander – Chicago to New York (Cellar Music)

Tenor Saxophonist Eric Alexander has Chicago ties that have remained binding for decades now. From his mentors and teachers to some of his early bandleaders, Chicago made an indelible mark on his soul, and that’s obvious on his latest album, Chicago to New York. Joined by Mike LeDonne (the New York in the equation) and Chicago’s own Dennis Carroll (bass) and George Fludas (drums), the quartet heard here is ever swinging and ever soulful. Of course, it helps when the material is as comfortable as a pair of 20 year old jeans, with standards like “The Lamp is Low” and “Angel Eyes,” alongside Jazz classics like John Coltrane’s “Wise One,” Mongo Santamaria’s “Afro Blue” and Gene Ammons’ “Hittin’ the Jug.” The ideas flow from these four like water down a stream, and that means that these lengthy performances feel absolutely just right.

Rachel Therrien Latin Jazz Project – Mi Hogar II (Lulaworld)

When trumpeter Rachel Therrien put out Mi Hogar a couple of years ago, it was a happy surprise. This young Canadian could swing hard, as we had heard previously, but now we knew she was clearly invested in Afro-Cuban music as well. And she did it WELL. In 2025, Therrien returns with Mi Hogar II, and if anything, the results are even more impressive. Her trumpet playing throughout the album is powerful, and she’s brought in some top-notch guest stars (pianist Manuel Valera among them) to add to the reasons to dig in. Her arrangement of the Chucho Valdes classic “Mambo Influenciado” is another reason to dig in. Elizabeth Rodriguez’s violin solo is a highlight of the whole album, and John Benitez tears through his bass solo like a hot knife through butter. Therrien herself shines brightly on the album’s opener, “Fiestas Campesinas,” and her Lee Morgan like swagger on “Back Home” just cannot be denied. Mi Hogar II is a flat-out fantastic album.

Rodney Jordan – Memphis Blue (BME)

Bassist Rodney Jordan may be teaching at Florida State University these days, but his hometown is Memphis, and his latest album, Memphis Blue, is his tribute to it. Jordan assembled a great band to bring his vision to light, with drummer Quentin Baxter, pianist Louis Heriveaux, saxophonist Mark Sterbank and trumpeter Melvin Jones. Fans of Roy Hargrove’s Quintets through the years are going to LOVE this album. Besides the song named “Hargrove,” Roy’s thumbprints are all over this record, and that is a great thing.  “The Storm Will Pass” is as moody as its name implies. “Minority,” and “Autumn Leaves” are the two standards here, and they’re both played very well. I don’t know where “Escapatoria” is, but I’m sure I want to go there, because it sounds like a peaceful beach that goes on for miles. “Small Portion” is a charming swinger that I find myself liking a lot. I think you’ll dig it, too. Then again, I think you’ll like all of Memphis Blue.