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

Branford Marsalis Quartet & Dianne Reeves – Dedicated To You (Blue Note)

The members of the Branford Marsalis Quartet (pianist Joey Calderazzo, bassist Eric Reeves and drummer Justin Faulkner) have teamed up with vocalist Dianne Reeves to produce a top-notch tribute to John Coltrane in 2026, the year of the Coltrane centennial. Dedicated to You is an album of dark textures, hushed tones (well, maybe not on my stereo), and plenty of space. It’s also, primarily, a collection drawn from John Coltrane and Johnny Hartman (all six of those titles make an appearance, all with Ms. Reeves’ assistance) and Ballads (two of those songs are also here). The other songs are the beautiful Coltrane ballad “Central Park West,” Trane’s take on Confirmation, “26-2” and two versions of “Big Nick.” It would be far too easy to gush over this record. Just drop a needle anywhere, and you’re getting something of beauty, whether it be Reeves’ lovely voice on “They Say It’s Wonderful,” Marsalis’ muscular tenor work on the aforementioned “26-2,” or Eric Reeves and Justin Faulkner’s groove on “Autumn Serenade.” Dedicated To You might be dedicated to John Coltrane, but it’s also clearly dedicated to making a beautiful piece of art for Jazz fans to enjoy in the here and now.

Event Horizon Jazz Quartet – Consternation (self-produced)

Four of Chicago’s talented musicians make up the group that calls itself the Event Horizon Jazz Quartet. Jim Kaczmarek plays saxophones, Scott Mertens takes care of piano and keyboard duties, Donn DeSanto is the bassist and Rick Vitek is the drummer. Their new album is Consternation. Kaczmarek and Mertens split the writing duties on the album, and they seemingly have very similar visions for the band, as all thirteen of the songs heard here sound of a piece. The rhythm section swings and grooves with authority, and while I don’t know if Kaczmarek studied with Von Freeman or not, there’s a definite Vonski-esque quality to his tone. On “JC in the Club,” the addition of Victor Garcia and Raphael Crawford on trumpet and trombone give the song a bit of a Jazz Crusaders vibe. The odd-meter of “Consternation” makes it fun to listen to, and the boogaloo “I Have No Idea” is a good time as well. This second volume from the Event Horizon Jazz Quartet is just as compelling as their first. Here’s to hoping WDCB listeners dig it, too!

Doug Webb – Watch Your Step (Cellar Music)

Saxophonist Doug Webb assembled a nice band for his latest album, Watch Your Step. A classic saxophone plus organ trio featuring Brian Charette on the B-3, Dave Sikula on guitar and John Lee on drums. Together, they’re swinging, and my head has been bobbing while I’ve been listening to the album. Clearly, they were having fun. It’s audibly apparent, and it’s obvious by the punny song titles, too, such as “The Webb We Weave” and “Trapped in the Webb.” There are tributes to jazz legends, “For Sonny” and “Five From Horace,” and there are sped up takes on ballads which work even though they probably shouldn’t, with “I’ve Grown Accustomed to Her Face” and “She’s Funny That Way.” So, when Webb decided to slow things down, he stomped all the way down on the brakes and pulled things back to just guitar and saxophone on “Body and Soul” and “Good Morning Heartache” (which are both gorgeous, by the way). The bossa nova, “Calvin is Here” is as comfy and familiar as an old pair of jeans, and they even got Cory Weeds to sit in on the title track. Twelve tracks of a swinging good time with a great saxophonist and a fantastic organist? Sounds like a great way to spend an hour to me!