The latest releases reviewed

FRANCO AMBROSETTI

The Wind

Enja

***

Ambrosetti, long one of Europe's leading trumpeters, has an incendiary rhythm section behind him in Uri Caine (piano), Drew Gress (bass) and Clarence Penn (drums), for a robustly inventive programme of originals and one standard there,. In a more straight-ahead context than is usual for them, Caine and co are in gripping form, grooving compellingly on I've Never Been in Love Before, Caine's intriguing Otelloand Russ Freeman's title track. The leader's Milesian trumpet is impressive throughout, especially on the standard and African Breeze, a spontaneous, brief duet with Penn. But there's a raised level of intensity whenever the rhythm section takes over as a trio, while Caine, who is in splendid form, delivers one delightful solo after another, particularly on Stiletto, Frasi, Otelloand the supercharged Mike on Wings. www.enjarecords.com RAY COMISKEY

JOHN ZORN/GEORGE LEWIS/BILL FRISELL

News For Lulu

hatology

****

This reissue of a long-unavailable Zorn venture into classic bop territory explores originals by Kenny Dorham, Hank Mobley, Sonny Clark and Freddie Redd, using the altoist's trio with trombonist Lewis and guitarist Frisell.

As often with Zorn, ambivalence is present; while the musicians perform with palpable warmth, there's an element of send-up as the old-timey feel contrasts with the sophisticated playing. But it swings, and the superb group dynamic, collective improvisations and subtle lead exchanging leave no doubt about either the class of the musicians or their understanding of the material and its original context.

Nothing is particularly radical; bop fans' old favourites ( Funk in Deep Freeze, This I Dig for You, Sonny's Crib, KD's Motion, Melanie) emerge unscathed but refreshed in what some might find a reassuring introduction to Zorn's world. www.hathut.com RAY COMISKEY

RICHIE BEIRACH

Summer Night

Venus

***

This Japanese label is a haven for piano trios, but the recordings tend to be made for its home market, where swinging, bop-flavoured piano is the thing. That's breadand-butter stuff for Beirach, who likes to take his piano to more adventurous places, and to George Mraz (bass) and Billly Hart (drums).

But this superior trio don't want to just go through the motions. Thoughtful arrangements make the most of the fact that it's a working trio, adept at picking up each other's cues. Changes of tempo break up routine anticipations, and unusual touches include an All Bluestaken as a funky groover.

Both Beirach and the much-featured Mraz are in fine solo form, but perhaps the trio are at their best on the album's only non-swinger: a rubato examination of Impressions Intimas No 1, by Frederic Mompou, one of Beirach's favourite composers. www.eastwindimport.com RAY COMISKEY