Mike DiRubbo: Way Out Northwest

Alto saxophonist and composer Mike DiRubbo, an acclaimed artist on the New York City jazz scene for more than three decades, traveled all the way to Vancouver, British Columbia, in October 2025 to record Way Out Northwest with a hand-picked all-Canadian rhythm section: pianist Tilden Webb, bassist Jodi Proznick and drummer Jesse Cahill.

The result of their collaboration is a sturdy, swinging slice of contemporary jazz embracing half a dozen of DiRubbo's eloquent original compositions and others by pianist Hotep Idris Galeta ("Song for My Queen") and trombonist Steve Davis ("A Star for Chick"). The playlist includes a pair of dedications, to trumpeter Jim Rotondi ("Jimbo") and pianist Harold Mabern (the closing "One for Mabes"), which are among the album's several highlights. The album's title is a play on Sonny Rollins' album Way Out West (Contemporary Records, 1957), denoting that Rollins may have gone west but never ventured as far north as Canada.

Stylistically, DiRubbo sounds at times much like one of his role models, Jackie McLean, with random nods to such contemporaries as Gary Bartz and Bobby Watson, among others, while never abandoning his own distinctive voice. Hard bop enthusiasts will receive the message loud and clear. DiRubbo's teammates play their parts quite well, providing unwavering support and soloing with assurance whenever their number is called. Webb solos often, always with poise and awareness, while Proznick and Cahill ensure a strong and steady rhythmic pulse.

Davis' "Star for Chick," which cooks hard from start to finish, is not named as a salute to Chick Corea, although it may as well be. DiRubbo, Webb and Cahill deliver powerful solos, leading to persuasive statements by DiRubbo and Webb on the graceful and groovy "Timing Is Everything." The easygoing title song, which sets the agenda in motion, is followed by DiRubbo's aggressive "Striking Distance," Galeta's lush and lyrical "Queen," the warmhearted "Jimbo" and serpentine "Late August." The dynamic "One for Mabes" is icing on an already appetizing cake.

While it is a long way from the Big Apple to Vancouver, an accomplished musician like DiRubbo is never far from home, and he and his Canadian companions make sure the trip Way Out Northwest is rewarding in every way.