In Brief

*** Henry Butler, “Blues & More, Volume I,” Windham Hill Jazz. The pianist and occasional singer, a native of New Orleans, works solo here, examining an impressive stretch of musical territory, from the aching cry of the somber “San Francisco Blues” to the jaunty “Jamaica Farewell” and upbeat “Samba C.” Butler’s mahogany-rich sound is at the core of the overall appeal of these selections. His melodic embellishments, though sometimes florid, are delivered with panache and often bear the mark of Professor Longhair, an obvious influence. Butler adds three vocals in his robust tenor, a decidedly acquired taste.

New albums are rated on a scale of one star (poor) to four (excellent). A rating of five stars is reserved for classic reissues or retrospectives.