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

Lucia – self-titled (La Reserve Records)

Lucia is a young vocalist who has just released a very nice debut album with the help of some very heavy hitters. Joined by Edward Simon at the piano, bassist Larry Grenadier and drummer Antonio Sanchez, Lucia already sounds like a seasoned pro. Mostly sticking to the standards, Lucia and company keep the tempos a little on the slower side, which showcases her deep voice quite well. “What a Difference a Day Makes,” “You Taught My Heart to Sing,” “Exactly Like You” and “Speak Low” are all played with a style that is reminiscent of Sarah Vaughan without a hint of mimicry. Olivia Rodrigo’s “Lacy” is an interesting choice that lets us know that Lucia has one foot in the present, even as she puts her stamp on the music of yesteryear.

Beatlejazz – Reunion (Yama Records)  

The last time the gentlemen in Beatlejazz, drummer Brian Melvin, bassist Boris Kozlov and pianist David Kikoski, were recorded together was back in 2007. Eighteen years later, they mark their return with the aptly named Reunion. This time out, they’ve picked some truly inspired Beatles tunes, ripe for a Jazz rearrangement. “Here Comes the Sun” is as charming and tricky as the original. On “For No One,” they lean into the song’s baroque flair, especially in Kikoski’s solo. “Tomorrow Never Knows” is smartly executed, never straying too far from the original’s intent, but still essentially straight-ahead Jazz at its core. “I’m Only Sleeping” swings, as it should, and personally, I’m glad that “My Sweet Lord” got the Jazz arrangement that I always figured it deserved. This Jazz musician and Beatles fan approves.

Altin Sencalar – Unleashed (Posi-Tone)

Trombonist Altin Sencalar is back with another impressive outing on Posi-Tone Records. Unleashed features Sencalar with a crack band, with saxophonists Greg Tardy and Bruce Williams, Behn Gillece playing the vibes, Boris Kozlov on bass and E.J. Strickland behind the drum kit. “Obsession” makes good use of that three horn front line, giving a lot of weight to its melody, and Gillece’s vibes really pop here, too. John Coltrane’s “Straight Street” gets a great reading, The inclusion of Eric Dolphy’s “17 West” is ingenious. The melody is quirky and Greg Tardy’s use of the clarinet in the mix is a nice nod to Dolphy’s brilliant bass clarinet playing. “Softly As In a Morning Sunrise” has a fresh arrangement that sets it apart from many other takes on that chestnut. Altin Sencalar once again proves that he’s a force to be reckoned with on the trombone. Especially now that he’s been unleashed.