ALBUM REVIEWS

ANTONIO HART

“It’s All Good”

Novus

* * 1/2

For his fourth recording as a leader, saxophonist Hart has shifted stances. In past recordings, he mixed in classic standards with originals, getting a nice blend. Here, he presents 11 originals from many genres of jazz, among them be-bop, funk, romantic balladry, modern up-tempo and hip-hop-tinged. As a result, the album suffers from a lack of focus.

One reason is that Hart hasn’t yet discovered a compelling voice as a composer. Numbers such as “Bartzology,” “Lunch Time Again” and “Uptown Traveler” have edgy, dissonant melodies. These open into abstract-leaning improvisations that don’t easily pull in the listener. Both “91st Miracle” and “Great Grandmother’s Song” are better constructed--they’re more song-like--and the solos have more appeal.

The recording mostly features Hart’s quintet, with Hart, trumpeter Darren Barrett and pianist Carlos McKinney getting the spotlight. The leader’s a proficient improviser whose alto and soprano tones are rich and rewarding, and when he slows down and plays melodically and with feeling, as on “Great Grandmother” or “Forever in Love,” he’s first rate. Other spew-the-notes-out improvisations--such as on “91st” or “Bartzology” (the latter features some steaming exchanges with tenor man Gary Thomas)--are of considerably less interest.

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