Latest CD releases reviewed

GARY BURTON
Next Generation Concord *****

Apt title. Vibist Burton's new band doesn't look old enough to shave, but it does have an astonishing array of talent. Julian Lage (guitar), Vadim Neselovskyi (piano), Luques Curtis (bass) and James Williams (drums) are already brilliantly accomplished, and Burton has welded them into a superb unit, full of grace and invention. The interplay is astonishing, almost telepathic, and the level of soloing consistently high from a quintet whose work exudes a palpable joy in performing. Originals, mostly by the band, with two from Burton alumni Pat Metheny and Mick Goodrick, make up the bulk of the repertoire, but there are also two imaginatively cast takes on My Romance and a sparkling look at Samuel Barber's Fuga, whose contrapuntal nature seems made to measure for the group. Delightful. www.musicconnection.org.uk Ray Comiskey

BARNEY WILEN
Dreamtime Nocturne ****

Tenor and soprano saxophonist Wilen was barely out of his teens when he toured with Miles Davis and played at the top level internationally in the 1950s; later he became interested in African music before reverting to his original bop influences in the '80s. This excellent duo recording, made with pianist Alain Jean Marie at a jazz festival in 1991, five years before his death, catches Wilen in fine form in an unhackneyed programme; Repetition, No Problem, Afternoon in Paris, Goodbye and I'm a Fool to Want You are hardly overdone choices, and even My Funny Valentine, thinly disguised as Things of the Fugue, is an interesting look at a much-played piece. His rapport with Marie, an impressive pianist, is fluent, and their work is distinguished by a graceful lyricism and maturity. www.musicconnection.org.uk Ray Comiskey