RAY COMISKEY reviews the jazz pieces of the week...

GRAHAM DECHTER

Right on Time Capri***

Only 23 and with a CV that includes Kurt Elling, Wynton Marsalis and the Clayton-Hamilton Big Band, Dechter is a rising young guitarist whose playing has the blues- inflected swing of Herb Ellis, with hints of Peter Bernstein and, maybe, Grant Green. Here he’s joined by the CHBB rhythm section of Tamir Handelman, John Clayton and Jeff Hamilton on a programme of standards, Ellingtonia and jazz originals, all delivered with panache, skill, and exuberance tempered by a craftsmanlike concern with structure – carefully wrought arrangements, crisply played by a working group, set the scene for the soloists. At times, perhaps, all that’s required is to let Dechter and Hendelman just cut loose and play. Still, despite this and the fact that, in terms of style, it’s a throwback to an earlier era, Dechter is a real talent. Mainstream fans should find plenty to savour. www.caprirecords.com

HARRY ALLEN

New York State of MindChallenge ***

Allen is a mainstream tenor of unvarying excellence, and if the implications of "unvarying" cause some disquiet, he's still probably the finest mainstream tenor around. On this follow-up to previous album Hits By Brits, Allen fronts a simpatico rhythm section in Rossano Sportiello (piano), Joel Forbes (bass) and Chuck Riggs (drums), with John Allred (trombone) guesting on six tracks. The all-standards repertoire includes some unusual choices; Puttin' on the Ritz, Broadway Melody, New York, New York, Manhattan Serenade, Down in the Depths on the 90th Floorand the title track are seldom played by jazz musicians of any style, but Allen and company make them work as jazz vehicles. His and Allred's virtuosity would shame more adventurous musicians, and they generate enough heat, swing and imagination to satisfy any mainstream fan. www.propernote. co.uk

JIMMY COBB

Jazz in the Key of BlueChesky ***

It's strange to find drummer Jimmy Cobb leading some stellar talents – Russell Malone (guitar), Roy Hargrove (flugelhorn/trumpet) and John Webber (bass) – who play as if they're under orders to behave, moving with elegant consideration through a batch of after-hours standards with not a hair out of place. It's extremely tasteful and melodic. Both Hargrove, mostly on the mellower flugelhorn, and Malone have beautiful instrumental tones, so much is made of this aspect of their playing. Occasional, subtle increases in tempo ( If Ever I Would Leave You, Every Time We Say Goodbye, Stairway to the Stars) provide glimpses of the quartet's real abilities (or hints of champing at the bit), but otherwise it's essentially a mood album. The three stars are for the craft and professionalism in laying down 10 such impeccable tracks in one day. The sound quality is exceptional. www.propernote.co.uk