The latest releases reviewed.

BOB BROOKMEYER New Works: Celebration Challenge *****

Re-released this summer, this is Brookmeyer's 1997 recorded debut with the German New Art Orchestra, which set the standard for his subsequent collaborations with the band. Half the album is a suite commissioned to feature Gerry Mulligan, whose place is superbly taken by baritone saxophonist Scott Robinson; the writing is memorable, especially the gorgeous third movement of the four-part suite. The remaining four non-suite compositions are just as striking, with the melancholy Idyll and the sustained, imaginative juggling of the base motif of Duets standouts. Other soloists include Brookmeyer on valve trombone and notable talents from the band: pianist Kris Goessens, trumpeter Ralf Hesse, and tenors Nils van Haften and Paul Heller. It also benefits from the great John Hollenbeck's presence on drums. www.musicconnection.org.uk Ray Comiskey

FRANK MORGAN Reflections HighNote ***

There's nothing here to put off mainstream jazz fans, just a serenely capable session by veteran bop altoist Morgan and some highly compatible colleagues in Ronnie Mathews (piano), Essiet Essiet (bass) and Billy Hart (drums). Morgan's tone is lovely, with just enough edge to keep mere prettiness at bay, and he has the nous to say what he has to say succinctly and get out of the way. He's helped by the work of the buoyant Mathews, another veteran who doesn't put a foot wrong, either as accompanist or as soloist; in fact, some of the best moments on the date come from Mathews's excursions. Reflections is suffused with a sense of the kind of maturity that comes with living and paying dues. Morgan has known both, emerging whole and tempered on the other side. http://uk.hmboutique.com Ray Comiskey