Listen to this week’s playlist on YouTube and Spotify. 
Whether supplying eminently tasteful but strong-as-steel backing for singers like Nancy Wilson and Sarah Vaughan, or venturing into uncharted new territory as a member of Herbie Hancock’s groundbreaking Mwandishi band, Buster Williams’ playing has always evidenced that fearless willingness to leap unhesitatingly into the unknown. With his new recording, “Audacity,” the legendary bassist marks another chapter in that ongoing history. Conceived as he celebrated his 75th birthday, the disc finds Williams stepping into the studio as a leader for the first time since 2004, leading his long-running all-star quartet Something More with saxophonist Steve Wilson, pianist George Colligan and drummer Lenny White.
Very few artists stay at the top of their game for their entire career. However, Freddy Cole’s velvet unhurried singing style remains every bit as cool and hip as it was when his first record was released in 1964. His seasoned voice is as affecting as ever, his understanding of a song’s expressive anatomy never more incisive. Pianist John di Martino, bassist Elias Bailey, guitarist Randy Napolean and drummer Quentin Baxter are trusted associates of Cole who respond to his inimitable sense of swing with now intuitive assurance. Mr. Cole’s new CD, “My Mood is You,” also features guest saxophonist Joel Frahm, displaying a sympathetic style that puts him in a league with such earlier illustrious Cole saxophone allies as Houston Person and David ‘Fathead’ Newman.
Also this week, veteran reedman Jerry Weldon makes his debut on Cellar Live Records with “Those Were the Days,” a worthy addition to the growing number of excellent Hammond organ-based albums that have found a home on that label.
Bassist Marcus Miller unveils “Laid Black,” his first release in three years, featuring guest artists like Trombone Shorty, Kirk Whalum, Take 6 and Jonathan Butler.
Pianist Theo Hill embarks on a new mission with his latest release entitled “Interstellar Adventures,” with the able assistance of his new acoustic/electric trio featuring bassist Rashaan Carter and drummer Rudy Royston.