The latest CD releases reviewed

BRAD MEHLDAU
Live Nonesuch
*****

Recorded in late 2006, just over a year after Day Is Done introduced drummer Jorge Rossy's replacement, Jeff Ballard, this double from NYC's Village Vanguard shows even more clearly Ballard's impact on the trio. There's more drive, the rhythmic flexibility is even greater, and the interplay, especially between Mehldau and Ballard, even more intense. With bassist Larry Grenadier acting as a fulcrum while drums and piano play off each other, the band groove euphorically (a funky Wonderwall, misterioso Secret Beach). When Grenadier's mobility makes it a three-way dialogue (Buddha's Realm, Countdown, Fit Cat, O Que Sera) the effect is like three interlocked mirrors reflecting each other's reactions to the constant reshaping of the material. Their mutual engagement reaches a peak of free interplay on the long Black Hole Sun without surrendering focus.This must be one of the great jazz trios.

JASON SEIZER
Time Being Pirouet ****

German tenor saxophonist Seizer has something of altoist Lee Konitz's oblique way, plus the warmth and lyricism of Warne Marsh. Ultimately, though, he has a unique sound and a markedly personal linear sense. Decorous but engaged, sinuously abstract but unfussy, Seizer's playing seizes attention almost by stealth. On this assured, understated yet attractive album, he's well matched with pianist Marc Copland, a master of harmonic surprise, the brilliant young bassist Matthias Pichler, and drummer Tony Martucci. The rapport between Copland and Seizer is evident: in the tenor's responses to Copland's harmonic prodding on Seizer's slow Between Now and Then and Trip to the Stars; in the indirect approach to All the Things You Are; and on the lovely title track, a delightful performance, beautifully felt and judged. Savoury. www.pirouetrecords.com

CEDAR WALTON/DALE BARLOW
Manhattan After Hours Challenge ****

Originally issued on Twinz, a small, hard-to-find label, this late 2000 session places Dale Barlow, the fine Australian tenor, with Cedar Walton, Dave Williams and the late Billy Higgins, one of the best working trios of the last 15 years. Veteran standards, plus two good Barlow originals, served as repertoire, but that's of no great moment. Barlow, out of Trane and Rollins, but with a softer, very personal sound and with one foot in hard bop, is especially striking on Darn That Dream, I Want to Be Happy, Like Someone in Love and his own Euphoria. Walton is at his magnificent best whatever is being performed. The whole album is permeated by the sheer pleasure in musicmaking that the trio generated whenever they played, and Barlow, a more than capable player himself, is swept up in the session's happy atmosphere. www.musicconnection.org.uk