Album Review : Accessibility, Challenge Commingle in ‘Passion’

** 1/2 , PAUL CARMAN & ESP, “Passion”, Crystal Sound Records

Saxophonist Paul Carman has a fine way of blending mainstream sensibilities with accessible, contemporary music. The results on his new album “Passion” make for a winning formula, one that devotees of both schools should find attractive.

Central to its success is Carman’s strong alto and soprano play and his ability to speak at various levels. With an ear for melody and a spare sense of embellishment, Carman is particularly adept at ballads, witnessed by his work on his own “I Don’t Want to Be Alone.”

Though his R&B; stylings, filled with bent tones and searing, up-register notes, at times recall David Sanborn (notably on the title tune), Carman avoids the usual crossover pratfalls: cheap appeals to emotion, screeching for screeching’s sake and predictable, over-the-top climaxes.

His own “Gimme a Melvin” is a good example of his dual appeal, as Carman’s soprano scoots over the aggressive yet lyrical theme. “The Dreams of a Burbank Spokesmodel,” which the saxophonist handles on alto, is particularly attractive, its straightforward lines giving way to his involved, inspired improvisation. The group finds new insight in Thelonious Monk’s “Think of One,” giving it an almost jingle-like catchiness.

The quartet members--pianist Mark Massey, bassist Ken Filiano and drummer Steve Distanislao--are highly adept at following Carman’s moods. Drummer Distanislao keeps steady time, providing the kind of anchor that will be familiar to those more experienced with the directness of rock.

*

Filiano, a fixture on the Los Angeles avant-garde scene before moving to Boston last year, solos impressively on “Immersion” while providing firm footing throughout for the other soloists. Like Carman, Massey is skilled at a range of tempos and feels, keeping his play accessible while never talking down to more demanding listeners.

While there are moments when “Passion” might be too simplistic for more sophisticated listeners, it strikes a comfortable middle ground where fans of beat-minded jazz can join those who look for more challenge and musical smarts in their material. This is an album that deserves a wide audience.

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* Paul Carman & ESP play today at noon in Fine Arts Room 101 at Saddleback College, 28000 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo. Free. (714) 582-4747. Albums are rated on a scale of * (poor) to **** (excellent), with *** denoting a solid recommendation.