New Music Releases: Doug Webb, Lionel Loueke, Joel Ross

Doug Webb | "Apples & Oranges"

Forget the cover, which is maybe a bit too sweet for our taste – and instead imagine some sort of vintage Prestige Records soul jazz image on the front – because the set's a tremendous batch of tenor and organ numbers throughout! Tenorist Doug Webb has recorded with Hammond organ before, but there's definitely something about this record that's a real cut above – maybe the way the group is balanced, as it's just a trio with Brian Charette on organ and Andy Sanesi on drums – a lineup that's fluid, very open, and which draws as much from Charette's work on the bass pedals as it does on the keys – beautifully balanced with this really strong current of soul! Webb's sense of imagination and expression are set more free here than ever before – stretching out on these original tracks that allow all players to really be their best – titles that include "Coruba", "Alexico", "Monkey Face", "Forethought", "For Steve", and "Apples & Oranges" – plus nice versions of "Estate" and "How Can I Be Sure". ~ Dusty Groove

Lionel Loueke | "HH"

Some of the most beautiful music we've ever heard from Lionel Loueke – a set that's mostly just solo guitar, with a bit of vocalization thrown in for good measure – and which has a style that's almost more compelling than some of Lionel's work in a larger format! Loueke doesn't really sing so much as he makes vocalized expressions at moments along with the guitar – sometimes with lyrics, sometimes more in a scat-based mode – and sometimes with a quality that's almost percussive, and which resonates strongly with his work on the strings! The HH title is a reference to Herbie Hancock – and most of the tunes here are classics from the Herbie songbook, but completely redone in a very unique way – on selections that include "Tell Me A Bedtime Story", "Cantaloupe Island", "Hang Up Your Hang Ups", "Watermelon Man", "Speak Like A Child", "Rockit", "One Finger Snap", and "Voyage Maiden".  ~ Dusty Groove

Joel Ross | "Who Are You"

Beautiful work from vibist Joel Ross – a player who's just starting to blossom as a leader, and who's clearly on the right path! The sound is wonderfully rich – not just vibes from Ross, but especially nice work from bassist Kanoa Mendenhall, who's a really key part of the sound here – blended with warm piano lines from Jeremy Corren, subtle drums from Jeremy Dutton, and alto from Immanuel Wilkins – all players who seem instantly linked together in their sense of sound, and who work with Joel to make the kind of record that should really get him the attention he deserves! There's this slow-burning majesty to the record – both in composition and performance – a sound that's sophisticated, but very organic – and a very different setting for the use of vibes in jazz. Brandee Younger plays harp on a few tracks too – another plus in our book – and titles include "Vartha", "Marsheland", "Waiting On A Solemn Reminiscence", "Home", "More", "Calling", "King's Loop", and "Dream". ~ Dusty Groove