NEW RELEASES : In Brief

**** Milt Hinton, “Old Man Time,” Chiaroscuro Records. This two-CD package is virtually an aural autobiography as the bassist, now 80, surrounds himself with many peers, friends and former colleagues in a loving tribute. In tapings from various sessions, Hinton plays, sings and raps with Doc Cheatham, Dizzy Gillespie, Joe Williams, Cab Calloway, Lionel Hampton and Danny Barker. The notes are unique: hosannas from 57 other bass players.

Albums are rated on a scale of one asterisk (poor) to five (a classic).