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

Christian McBride Big Band – Without Further Ado, Vol. 1 (Mack Ave)

As we’ve learned over the course of a few albums by now, the words “Christian McBride Big Band” are synonymous with “excellent big band record.” On Without Further Ado, Vol 1, McBride keeps that streak going, and this time, with seven guest vocalists. Some names, like Samara Joy, and her take on “Old Folks,” are obvious. Dianne Reeves revisits her arrangement of “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow,” and it sounds as good as ever with McBride’s big band backing her up. Jose James proves that he can swing at will on a great version of “Moanin’,” and Sting shows once again that he and Christian make great dance partners on “Murder by Numbers.” Without Further Ado Vol 1 is, above all else, a whole lot of fun, and a swingin’ good time, to boot. I think you’ll be hearing this one a lot.

Tatum Langley & The Shout Section Big Band - Tatum’s Swingin’ Session (self-produced)

The Shout Section Big Band, under the direction of trumpeter and conductor Brett Dean, has been swingin’ all over the Chicago Jazz scene for quite some time now. Vocalist Tatum Langley is featured along with them on Tatum’s Swingin’ Session, their latest album. The album’s title gives away the entire plot, and that’s great; a hard swingin’ big band is a thing of beauty. Langley’s in fantastic voice throughout, and the song choices are perfect for this kind of project, with a strong lean into Peggy Lee classics like “All the Cats Join In,” “You Came a Long Way from St. Louis,” and “The Song is Ended.”

Rachael & Vilray – West of Broadway (Concord)

Rachael Price and Vilray are back with their third album, West of Broadway. Not much has changed between this CD and their last two discs. Vilray still has a knack for writing songs that sound like they came straight out of a time machine, with all of the wit of the classic Tin Pan Alley lyricists. And Rachael Price still has one of the finest modern voices that you’ll hear in the Jazz world. If I were listening to the vinyl version of West of Broadway, I would tell you that you could drop the needle virtually anywhere on the album and land on gold. “Is it Jim?” “Love Comes Around,” “Forever Never Lasts,” “My Key to Gramercy Park,” they’re all charming and lovable, and they remind me more than a little of Leon Redbone in his Jazziest moments.  And Rachael & Vilray will be coming to town for a concert at SPACE in November!