The latest releases reviewed
GERALD WILSON In My Time Mack Avenue *****
PTo judge by this splendid example of big band work, Wilson, in his late eighties, is writing with as much creativity as ever. Revisiting the format and location of his Grammy-nominated New York, New Sound, he conducts an orchestra of the Big Apple's finest through some outstanding new scores. And big means big; he likes sections that offer the five-part harmonies he uses so brilliantly. Wilson here has a band of awesome power, precision and solo strength. Pieces range from the expert chordal juggling of his three-part The Diminished Triangle and a typically arresting Latin Lomelin, to imaginative treatments of So What and Love for Sale, the only non-Wilson compositions on the set. He thinks it might be his finest yet. He's right. www.musicconnection.org.uk Ray Comiskey
URI CAINE Toys Winter&Winter *****
Welcome reissue of one of Caine's earliest albums as leader. Made in 1995, it showcases him as pianist, composer and arranger permutating a front line of Dave Douglas (trumpet), Joshua Roseman (trombone), Gary Thomas (flute/ tenor) and Don Byron (bass clarinet), supported by Dave Holland (bass) and Ralph Peterson (drums), with Don Alias (percussion). The rhythm section is superbly interactive, Caine and Douglas daring and imaginative soloists. Both Byron and Thomas do well with a few opportunities and Roseman, with fewer chances, adds an element of ensemble colour. Four of the 11 pieces are by Herbie Hancock and the remainder by Caine; the whole album has an edge and inventiveness that are irresistible. http://uk.hmboutique.com/ Ray Comiskey
SAMI MOUKADDEM The Crest of a Wave No Label ***
Born in Lebanon, based here for years, guitarist and composer Sami Moukaddem draws fruitfully on his Middle Eastern heritage to create this fascinating jazz hybrid. It's a seamless union; neither thecompositions nor the performances depend on exoticism to make an impact. Leading a superior quintet of Brendan Doyle (alto/tenor/clarinet), Myles Drennan (percussion/piano), Fadi Hatoum (darbuka/doff) and Jose Carlos Flores (electric bass), with drummer Stephen Keogh guesting on two tracks, Moukaddem takes them though a rhythmically beguiling set of pieces to enjoyable effect. If Moukaddem's affinity for the material is a given, Doyle's is remarkable. He's in brilliant form here, constantly conjuring up improvisations that seem woven indissolubly from the evocative fabric of the guitarist's originals. One to savour. www.samimoukaddem.com Ray Comiskey
