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

James Zito – Zito’s Jump (self-produced)

Zito’s Jump is the debut album from guitarist James Zito. After a listen, you might have a hard time believing that fact. Now, it helps immensely that Zito decided to surround himself with some top-shelf talent, like pianist Luther Allison, bassist Rodney Whittaker and drummer Joe Farnsworth. Chris Lewis and his saxophone round out the lineup. Zito is clearly influenced by George Benson’s approach to the guitar in the 1960’s and early 70’s, most obviously on “Ready ‘n’ Able” and “The End of a Love Affair.” “Zito’s Jump” and “Time Zone” show an appreciation for the classic Jazz Boogaloos found throughout Blue Note’s catalog, and the short but poignant takes on “After You’ve Gone” and “It Could Happen To You” are proof that Zito is a guitarist with some depth, and he’s definitely a musician worth keeping an eye (and ear) on.

Diego Rivera – West Circle (Posi-Tone Records)

Saxophonist Diego Rivera is back with a new album, West Circle. Joined by the very familiar faces of Art Hirahara (piano), Boris Kozlov (bass) and Rudy Royston (drums), their time spent recording together on past projects definitely reaps benefits here. Herbie Hancock’s “The Maze” gets a reading that is fresh, aggressive and goes to different places than Hancock’s original version did. On “Both-Siding,” Rivera comes charging out of the gate from the opening notes and doesn’t let up. “Cumbia” is just that…a Colombian Latin Jazz jam, and “Fungque” does indeed capture Rivera getting down and “fun-kay” as the name would imply. I love truth in advertising!

Bill Stewart – Live at the Village Vanguard (Criss Cross)

For the past 30+ years, Bill Stewart has been one of my favorite drummers. Always swinging, always musical, and always immediately identifiable, no matter who he’s playing with. So, I was excited as soon as I saw Bill Stewart’s Live at the Village Vanguard on my desk. Bassist Larry Grenadier keeps things grooving, and Walter Smitth III is as interesting as ever on the tenor saxophone. Not all of the songs are new here; “7.5,” “Space Acres” and “Mynah” all date back from when Bill was recording for Blue Note Records in the mid-90’s. But, with the new instrumentation, they sound as fresh as ever. The opener, “Ten Foot Two” is charming, quirky and a great introduction to what you’re going to hear over the course of these nine songs. Adventurous, without ever getting lost, the journeys we go on with Stewart, Grenadier and Smith fun, exciting, and above all, worth the price of admission.