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

Sean Mason – A Breath of Fresh Air (Taylor Christian Records)

Sean Mason’s latest album, A Breath of Fresh Air, is a smile inducing listen. There are no monumental displays of speed, nor drama filled renderings of ballads. Instead, we get eight tracks recorded by a tight young group that all sit firmly in the pocket. Along with Mason and his piano, we also get to hear Tony Glausi’s trumpet, the saxophone of Chris Lewis, bassist Felix Moseholm and the drums of Domo Branch. There are hints of Gospel a la Horace Silver on “Rediscovery” and “Boneback.” “Capital J” is an uptempo swinger that doesn’t disappoint, and “Kiss Me” has the thumbprints of modern R&B all over it. Mr. Mason clearly has big ears and eclectic tastes, and the listener is all the better for it. 

Thom Rotella – Right Time Left (High Note Records)

Right Time Left is the latest album from guitarist Thom Rotella. Featuring 14 musicians over the course of 13 tracks, there’s certainly some diversity in the sounds coming from this disc. The core group that appears on the vast majority of the album is Rotella, organist Wil Blades, drummer Charles Ruggiero and percussionist Lenny Castro. Ernie Watts and Jeremy Pelt make the most significant guest appearances, but everyone sounds great here. There’s a healthy mix of standards like “Willow Weep for Me,” “Lazy Afternoon,” and “The Girl From Ipanema,” alongside a gem of a version of Marvin Gaye’s “How Sweet it Is.” But the true treats here are Rotella’s tributes. There are the overt ones, like “Ray Brown’s Shoes,” or “Mr. Malone” (for Russell Malone) or “Benny Thanks” for Benny Golson. Then there are the ones that you can make educated guesses on. The greasy, swinging groove on “This is For Lou” makes me think it must be for Lou Donaldson, and the vibe of “In the Garden” leads me to believe that Dr. Lonnie Smith was on Rotella’s mind when he wrote it. Standards or originals, tributes or songs written just to be songs, Rotella does right with his time on his latest album.

Scott Silbert Quartet – Dream Dancing: Celebrating Zoot Sims at 100

Considering his influence on certain corners of the Jazz world, it’s actually kind of shocking how few tributes to Zoot Sims there have been through the years. Tenor saxophonist Scott Silbert is doing his part to remedy the situation with Dream Dancing: Celebrating Zoot Sims at 100. Joined by Robert Redd (piano), Chuck Redd (bass) and Amy Shook (bass). Silbert leans into the ballads on the album, with lovely readings of “It’s That Ole Devil Called Love,” “You Go To My Head,” and “Ballad for Very Tired and Very Sad Lotus Eaters.” When he does turn up the heat, like on “Wee Dot” or “Louisiana,” this band is ready, and sparks fly. There’s one duet on the album, and it’s worth a special mention: “Blues for Louise” whittles it down to Silbert and Shook, and the two of them get down to business in short order, making some great music. Whether with the duo or the whole quartet, this group swings. I’m sure Zoot Sims would be honored.