New Releases : *** 1/2 : TERENCE BLANCHARD & DONALD HARRISON; Vol. I: “Eric Dolphy & Booker Little Remembered Live at Sweet Basil”; Vol. II: “Fire Waltz” (<i> Evidence</i> )

Recorded in 1986 and released only in Japan six years ago, these companion CDs are a silver anniversary re-creation of the Eric Dolphy-Booker Little Quintet’s celebrated recording at the Five Spot in New York. The original 1961 Mal Waldron-Richard Davis-Ed Blackwell rhythm section impeccably prods and supports the young lion front line of Blanchard and Harrison, at that time leading their own quintet shortly after leaving Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers.

Harrison’s darting, fluid alto sax and Blanchard’s forceful trumpet wisely aim for putting personal stamps on a repertoire drawn exclusively from the 1961 date rather than imitating Dolphy and Little. Davis’ double-time bass and Blackwell’s inimitable rhythmic force impress on “Aggression” from “Remembered Live” while Blanchard and Waldron’s piano shine on “Number Eight” from “Fire Waltz.” “Remembered Live” is the stronger set by a hair--”The Prophet” and “Aggression” still sound particularly fresh and vital after nearly 35 years.

Albums are rated on a scale of one star (poor), two stars (fair), three stars (good, recommended), four stars (excellent).