Billy Higgins Quintet Self-titled (Evidence/Fusion 111)

A drummer whose signature comes from backing Monk, Coltrane and Dexter Gordon, to name some, with surprisingly few albums under his name. This release, with pianist Cedar Walton's hard bopping colliding against the legendary tenor sax of Harold Land makes a soulful, airy listen with some mesmerizing lessons of forward propulsion. This disc showboats a veteran player without being a drummer's album. 7/10 (Rick Tracey)

Britt Woodman/Joe Wilder/John LaPorta Playing for Keeps (GM)

In this day when most record companies are signing younger and younger musicians, it's hoped that Gunther Schuller's label will start a trend. The three co-leaders here are all in their 70s. Trombonist Woodman, trumpeter Wilder and reedman LaPorta shine on this mix of standards and originals. Recommended! 9.5/10 (Len Dobbin)