NEW RELEASES : In Brief : <i> Albums are rated on a scale of one star (poor) to five (a classic). : </i>

*** 1/2 Kenny Barron, “Quickstep,” Enja. Melody stays at the forefront of this neatly assembled modern mainstream package featuring the pianist’s quintet. The horns shine: Saxophonist John Stubblefield employs a gruff, gritty sound on his blues “Once Upon a Time,” and trumpeter Eddie Henderson offers muted, incandescent lines on drummer Victor Lewis’ “I Wanted to Say.” The leader’s solo on the exotic and slow “Big Girls,” crisp and fresh as sheets just back from the laundry, typifies his artistry.