NEW RELEASES : In Brief

* * 1/2 Richard Elliot, “Soul Embrace,” Manhattan. The saxophonist deserves recognition for his ability as an appealing melodist. Most of these tunes--10 of which are originals--acknowledge that fact by allowing Elliot’s sensuous tone to take center stage, buoyed by hypnotically repetitious dance rhythms. Less captivating is the inclusion of three vocals. But at the very least Elliot should be given special credit for reminding the pop audience--on “I’m Not in Love”--that the soprano saxophone does not (as it does in Kenny G’s hands) have to sound like a kazoo.

Albums are rated on a scale of one star (poor) to four stars (excellent).