NEW RELEASES : *** TERENCE BLANCHARD “Terence Blanchard” <i> Columbia</i> : <i> Albums are rated on a scale of one star (poor) to five (a classic). : </i>

Trumpeter Blanchard brings new elements and an often invigorating lineup to his first album since he worked on the Spike Lee film “Mo’ Better Blues” as arranger, trumpeter and trumpet instructor for actor Denzel Washington.

There are four Blanchard originals, of which the hyperventilating “Wandering Wonder” and the hectic “Azania” are a little too effusive--the latter has an overlong drum solo. But “Tomorrow’s Just a Luxury,” with its easy canter, and the solemn “Sing Soweto” reveal a strong compositional talent.

Branford Marsalis shares the tenor sax solos with the less-known but promising Sam Newsome, who is heard on Charlie Parker’s “Au Privave.” Blanchard is at his most relaxed and melodic playing Gordon Jenkins’ “Goodbye.” The program begins and ends with two salutes to the distant past--”Motherless Child” and “Amazing Grace”--both too brief to have any great significance.