“JAZZ AT THE SMITHSONIAN.” Bob Wilber. Sony...

“JAZZ AT THE SMITHSONIAN.” Bob Wilber. Sony 96W50084. Wilber, winner of the most recent Grammy for big band jazz (the album was his Ellington-based sound track for “The Cotton Club”) is in a very different bag here, using a small group in a tribute to Sidney Bechet, with additional verbal and instrumental homage to Louis Armstrong and Muggsy Spanier. His soprano sax captures the essence of the period, with a guitarist doubling on banjo in the generally adequate accompaniment. Bechet originals and overworked standards (“China Boy,” “Lady Be Good”) make up a generally satisfying program for the traditionally oriented ear. 3 stars.