ALBUM REVIEW : *** 1/2 HENRY BUTLER “Orleans Inspiration” <i> Windham Hill Records</i> :<i> Albums are rated from five stars (a classic) to one star (poor). </i>

This is fun. Imagine a piano sound that is blended from a large dose of Professor Longhair, a liberal seasoning of Dr. John, and a few sprinkles of Allen Toussaint and James P. Johnson. Then toss in some world-class contemporary jazz skills, extensive classical training and an utterly unique singing voice. Here’s the result: A “live” recording of pianist Butler working a program of Crescent City-tinged rhythm and blues that bubbles with effervescent musical energies.

The title track starts with Tatumesque bursts of color and evolves through a mini-history of jazz piano before climaxing in an unswervingly swinging vamp. And Butler’s reharmonization--and virtual rethinking--of “West Side Story” ’s “Somewhere” will surely raise the hairs on the back of Leonard Bernstein’s neck. All in all, it’s music that manages to subversively tease the mind while keeping the toes tapping.