Gift guide: Jazz

HARRY ALLEN-JOE COHN QUARTET, "HEY, LOOK ME OVER" (ARBORS)

Tenor saxophonist Allen and guitarist Cohn lead a working band, documented here at its lyrical, swinging finest. Allen, influenced by Stan Getz, also reminds us of Jim Crawford, the late Raleigh dentist and tenor man, whose gift of melody outshone many a professional player.

SCOTT HAMILTON, "NOCTURNES & SERENADES" (CONCORD)

A moody, late-night album dominated by ballads. Hamilton's tenor saxophone ranges from breathy to full-throated. He might as well be singing, so expressive is he.

BARBARA LEA WITH THE LOREN SCHOENBERG BIG BAND, "BLACK BUTTERFLY" (BARBARA LEA)

A singer's singer in service to the lyricist, the veteran Lea exudes class throughout this generous, 17-song set. The Schoenberg Big Band is the perfect complement.

BONNIE BRAMLETT AND THE MR. GROOVE BAND, "ROOTS, BLUES & JAZZ" (ZOHO)

Bramlett (of Delaney & Bonnie fame) has a magnetic presence and powerful voice that commands each of the idioms of the title. Saxophonist and flutist Tim Gordon from Charlotte is aboard as part of the Mr. Groove Band, a group that lives up to its name. Put on your dancing shoes.

ORNETTE COLEMAN, "SOUND GRAMMAR" (SOUND GRAMMAR)

This quartet album captures veteran alto man Coleman, jazz's original avant gardist, on a par with his earliest albums: the cry, the bluesy lyricism, the jagged ensemble work, the inimitable logic ...

ELMER GIBSON, "THE REACH OF MEMORY" (KUMEKUCHA)

Raleigh pianist Gibson, playing solo here, demonstrates impeccable time, a propensity for swinging bass lines and a flair for harmonic coloration -- i.e., the right color (or mood or impression) at the right time. The tunes are Gibson originals and all solid.

BRANFORD MARSALIS, "BRAGGTOWN" (MARSALIS MUSIC)

Marsalis' quartet ranges from blistering, fiendishly difficult romps to lyrical performances fit for a classical string quartet on this album. A devilish sense of fun often pervades the hard stuff.

JOHN HICKS, "SWEET LOVE OF MINE" (HIGHNOTE)

Recorded five weeks before pianist Hicks died, several of these performances seem to reflect a peaceful contemplation of things to come. A soulful and uplifting album.

FRANK MORGAN, "REFLECTIONS" (HIGHNOTE)

Morgan's infatuation at an early age with Charlie Parker led to drug addiction, prison and, miraculously, a heralded comeback 20 years ago. This album, which finds the alto saxophonist at his most supple and lyrical, is a testimony of peace.

"RED GARLAND TRIO AT THE PRELUDE" (PRESTIGE)

A two-CD set that includes reissued and previously unreleased performances from a live club date in 1959, these tracks define "the" way to play piano trio jazz back then. The music swings, and no intellectualization is required.