JAZZ : Triumph of ‘Form’ Over Daunting Odds : TOM HARRELL “Form” <i> Contemporary</i> * * * * *

Constantly evolving as a composer and soloist, the former Phil Woods sideman illustrates how much can be achieved with two-part harmony: his own trumpet or fluegelhorn and Joe Lovano on tenor or soprano sax. A ringer, Cheryl Pyle on flute, is added for “January Spring,” a complex and challenging piece in which everyone, including bassist Charlie Haden and the Panamanian pianist Danilo Perez, 23, plays a valuable role. Neil Tesser’s notes deal sensitively with Harrell’s emotional problem (a diagnosed schizophrenic, he seems to come alive only when he puts the horn to his lips). Rather than pity him, as Tesser points out, we should admire him and marvel at the creativity that has defied such daunting odds.