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

Cyrus Chestnut – Rhythm, Melody and Harmony (High Note)

Pianist Cyrus Chestnut returns in 2025 with a new album called Rhythm, Melody and Harmony. Joined by saxophonist Stacy Dillard, bassist Gerald Cannon and drummer Chris Beck, Chestnut is as swinging as ever, as he aptly proves on the disc’s opener, “Cured and Seasoned.” The spirited Bossa Nova, “Ami’s Dance” hints at getting funky without ever giving up on its Brazilian flavor. Chestnut’s solo take on “Moonlight in Vermont” is beautiful, in case you needed any more proof as to what an exceptional pianist he is. The Gospel standard “There is a Fountain” closes things out with a soulful benediction to send us all off into the world with a little extra pep in our step. A fitting end to a hard swinging album filled with some great examples of Rhythm, Melody and Harmony.

Jim Snidero – Bird Feathers (Savant)

Jim Snidero is trying something a little different on his latest album, Bird Feathers. There have certainly been many tributes to Charlie Parker through the years, and even a few that similarly eschew a chording instrument. Snidero, a saxophonist, put together a solid trio for this effort, with Peter Washington on the bass, and Joe Farnsworth on the drums. Whether they’re tenderly playing a ballad like “These Foolish Things,” or burning through one of Bird’s classics like “Ornithology,” the results are the same: many a Jazz listener will walk away impressed.

Reggie Watkins – Rivers (BYNK Records)

Trombonist Reggie Watkins leads a fantastic quartet on his latest album, Rivers. Along with pianist Michael Bernabe, bassist Eli Naragon and drummer Jason Washington, Jr, these guys generate some heat on an all-original program. “Ocularity” has a Monk-ish angularity to it that makes it a lot of fun to listen to. “Shanghai Strut” is interesting, with a funky groove and a light touch, and “Dawn of Peace” sounds as lovely as the title implies.