Steppin’ Out
Turtle Bay, 2024
8/10
An outfit spearheaded by the cornetist and arranger Mike Davis, The New Wonders breathe new life into classic jazz songs, many of which date back many decades.
“Do Do Do” opens the listen with plenty of retro-swing, where Ricky Alexander’s alto sax makes an impression, and “Everybody Loves My Baby” follows with lively interplay that benefits much from Jared Engel’s flowing banjo and Andy Schumm’s animated keys.
“Half Seas Over”, the only original, arrives in the middle and births plenty of distinct harmonic progression, while “My Melancholy Baby” makes great use of Josh Holcomb’s well timed trombone and no lack of solos.
Arriving close to the end, “Cornet Chop Suey” welcomes Colin Hancock’s cornet prowess to the rich album highlight, and “My Blue Heaven” exits with a snappy pulse and playful rhythm that you know Steve Martin would admire.
Even though the styles here are a century old, Davis and company prove that they’re still relevant and enjoyable today.
Travels well with: Dave Bass- Trio Nuevo; Cliff Beach- You Showed Me The Way