The latest releases reviewed

The meeting of accomplished Italian pianist Rita Marcotulli and saxophonist Andy Sheppard found common ground as much in a shared carpe diem approach to musicmaking as in an evident empathy. These duets, with Sheppard on tenor or soprano, catch both players in unbuttoned mood, mixing impromptu wit and fun with unabashed romanticism, lyricism with impressionism, and the free with the structured. All but two of the pieces (one of which is from Pink Floyd) are by either Marcotulli or Sheppard, who also contribute a spontaneously improvised feature each. No great profundities emerge from their interplay, but they work well together and their duets are a reminder of just how exceptional a player Sheppard, in particular, is in any context. http://uk.hmboutique.com     RAY COMISKEY

Abercrombie's third album with Mark Feldman (violin), Marc Johnson (bass) and Joey Baron (drums) is arguably the finest yet by this great group. So gripping is their rapport, so contiguous yet individual their inspiration, that even when they work with their accustomed freedom within the structure of Abercrombie's compositions (with one each from Bill Evans and Ornette Coleman) they have the feel of through- conceived performances; nothing is overdone. Feldman is a remarkable partner for Abercrombie; each draws sustenance from the contact, and from the zestfully imaginative way Johnson and Baron use the freedom to engage with them. From the shrewdly measured development of the rubato Banshee and the graceful elegance of the 3/4 Vingt Six, to the glorious melancholy of Wishing Bell, Epilogue and Elvin, this is one of the albums of the year. www.musicconnection.org.uk      RAY COMISKEY

The OJM is a quality Portuguese big band that is surely the equal of its better-known counterparts in Sweden, Denmark and Germany. The writing, by co-leaders Carlos Azevedo and Pedro Guedes, is well crafted, with a fine feel for voicings and texture, and the arc of each performance. In featured soloist Chris Cheek (tenor/soprano) they have a brilliant collaborator who responds to the lovely writing with the utmost sensitivity, instinctively tuning in to the nature of each piece. From the multifaceted colour of Does It Matter to the lyricism of FJP#2, Do Pé Para a Mão, Why Not and Pipiwipi, Cheek doesn't put a foot wrong. Throughout, he is central to the dialogue but never overwhelms it. A marvellous performance of Jamiro seems complete in every respect. www.freshsoundrecords.com     RAY COMISKEY