A Sense of Drama, Dynamics : *** 1/2 : MARIA SCHNEIDER JAZZ ORCHESTRA, “Evanescence”; <i> Enja</i>

Maria Schneider’s ongoing Monday night appearances at Visiones nightclub in New York, now in their second year, is currently the city’s happening big-band event and for good reason. Schneider is writing some of the smartest charts being aired today and assembling many of New York’s best young-and-serious musicians to play them.

Though recorded in 1992, “Evanescence” paints an accurate picture of Schneider’s craftsmanship. She imparts a strong sense of drama to each of her pieces, utilizing dynamic builds that swell with excitement. Her sense of orchestration can be bold and sweeping (“Wyrgly”) or soft, delicate and enticing (“Some Circles”).

And her way of framing attractive melodies with off-beat accompaniment and dissonant horn and flute passages, a style reminiscent of Evans at his best, imparts an uncomfortable, edgy feel to even the prettiest passage.

The soloists complement the whole rather than stand out from its mood and direction. Standouts include saxophonist Rick Margitza on “Wyrgly” and “My Lament,” trumpeter Tim Hagans on “Dance You Monster to My Soft Song” and pianist Kenny Werner on “Gumba Blue.”

But the real star here is Schneider. This recording is one of the most promising big-band debuts in a long time and one of the best CDs of the last few months. Somebody should send this orchestra out on the road.

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