The latest releases reviewed.

JOHN HICKS On the Wings of an Eagle Chesky ****

John Hicks died suddenly last year, two months after this, his final session. It's a worthy farewell. With longtime colleagues Buster Williams (bass) and Louis Hayes (drums) on hand, there was little more the veteran pianist needed to do but play, and seldom-performed originals by the likes of Donald Byrd, Monk, Dexter Gordon and Tommy Flanagan have produced superb explorations of Balues- Bolivar-Balues-Are, Cheese Cake, Minor Mishap and Fly Little Bird Fly. Williams contributed two lovely originals, one of which, the medium 3/4 Strivers Jewels, along with Hicks's As Birds Fly, catch this buoyant trio at close to their best. Hicks also confirms his exceptional talent for ballads with the only standard, Dedicated to You. Straight-ahead piano trio, but good. www.musicconnection.org.uk RAY COMISKEY

ALAN BARNES/HARRY ALLEN Barnestorming Woodville ***

Alan Barnes set up this blowing session with Allen when the tenor was at Ronnie Scott's last year; though it was recorded in the music room of the Bull's Head in Barnes, it's not a live date. The results are very much what is to be expected when some superior talent gets together like this. Backed by a reliable rhythm section - John Pearce (piano), Dave Chamberlain (bass) and Bobby Worth (drums) - they swing through a mixture of standards and originals with relaxed authority. Barnes adds to the textures by doubling on alto and baritone and it's interesting to hear how Allen's tone has grown heavier of late, reminiscent at times of Ben Webster. A little more drive from the rhythm section would have helped, but mainstream fans are unlikely to be disappointed with the results. www.musicconnection.org.uk RAY COMISKEY