Jerome Sabbagh: North

Sabbagh is an adventurous improviser who spins long, lyrical lines and rarely avails himself of the "noise" effects, honking or squealing, that less rigorous musicians might play. Even on the free piece "Indian Song," Sabbagh improvises melodically. He is calm and reflective on ballads such as "Follow The Light," and he barrels along with burly swing on the odd-meter, up-tempo cooker "Trip." The varied program consists entirely of Sabbagh originals.

The gifted young guitarist Ben Monder provides inventive music in both his improvising and his comping. On the album's funky tunes, Monder cranks it up and rocks out. Yet everything he plays is jazz. You'll know when you hear him. Full credit also to bassist Joe Martin, whose bass lines create strong melodies and propulsive time. His hard swinging on "Trip" is essential to its success. Drummer Ted Poor, also, is essential to the success of North. He's a listening drummer, and above all, he swings.

I'm continually surprised, and very impressed, by the ever-growing list of truly talented young jazz musicians who are playing today. They play a forward-looking music that stays true to the eternal jazz verities of swing and self-expression. Add Jerome Sabbagh and his sidemen to the list.