Joel Ross – Nublues (Blue Note)

Taken as a whole throughout the course of its 10 tracks, the latest album from Chicago vibraphonist Joel Ross is a fascinating listen, jumping from strength to strength balancing short-form pieces, longer, sprawling improvisations, and some impressive interpretations of the work of John Coltrane (“Equinox,” “Central Park West”) and Thelonious Monk (“Evidence”). The band of Ross (vibes), Immanuel Wilkins (alto sax), Jeremy Corren (piano), Kanoa Mendenhall (bass) and Jeremy Dutton (drums) is augmented by the flute of Gabrielle Garo on three songs: “Chant,” a duet for vibes and flute, “What am I Waiting For?” and “Bach (God the Father in Eternity),” and is as supple as can be no matter the material. Ross’ compositions continue to get stronger and more engaging, and the presentation here of some of the material as two long suites – “Early,” “Equinox,” and “Mellowdee” and later, ”Nublues,” “Ya Know?” and “Evidence” both make for remarkable experiences.

Geoffrey Dean Quartet – Foundations (Amp Music)

Pianist Geoffrey Dean leads an enormously talented quartet on a romp through nine modern Jazz classics on the new album Foundations. Joined by trumpeter Justin Copeland and one time Chicagoans Eric Binder (drums) and Harish Raghavan (bass), Foundations is a swinging affair. Sonny Clark’s “Blue Minor” and “My Conception” are played beautifully, and Dean makes a great case for both of them to be recorded more often. Miles Davis’ “Nardis” is probably the most popular song on this album, and the arrangement of it is by far, the most daring piece of music on the CD. They play the familiar melody as a rubato statement that allows Binder the opportunity to evoke Elvin Jones with his floor tom rolls throughout. Peter Bernstein’s “Jet Stream” swings at a finger poppin’ tempo that is just delicious, and the fact that we get a chance to hear some excellent players going to town on the music of Sam Rivers (“Cyclic Episode”) and Andrew Hill (“Yokada Yokada”) is a thrill, indeed.

Jim Snidero – For All We Know (Savant)

Saxophonist Jim Snidero has been on quite the tear in these last few years, following his muse wherever it may lead. This time, he’s stripped down to the basics of a chordless trio, flanked by the bass of Peter Washington and the drums of Joe Farnsworth. The album, For All We Know, is a collection of lovely ballads, and there’s nary an unfamiliar note to be found in the eight selections featured here. We’re treated to gorgeous renditions of John Coltrane’s “Naima,” Charlie Parker’s “Parker’s Mood,” and well-loved standards like “My Funny Valentine” and “Willow Weep for Me.” However, even on an album of slow burning old chestnuts, Snidero, Washington and Farnsworth are clever and probing, and they find their moments to shine, and even occasionally surprise. Trust me when I tell you, you’re going to like this one a lot.