ROCK/JAZZ/POP
ERIC DOLPHY ``Other Aspects'' (Blue Note BT-85131) - These previously unreleased recordings come from the private tape library of the late iconoclastic jazz alto saxophonist, and they're valuable for that reason. Musically they're an odd brew. Included are a piece for voice and chamber ensemble, and a North Indian piece with Dolphy on flute, accompanied by tablas, voice, and tamboura. In both cases, the vocals are hard to take. Best of the lot is Dolphy's brilliant alto sax duet with bassist Ron Carter. MAUREEN McGOVERN ``Another Woman in Love'' (CBS BFM 42314) - Miss McGovern's pure voice and wide range serve this collection of ballads well. She has chosen some offbeat love songs (Blossom Dearie's ``I Like You, You're Nice,'' Peter Allen's ``I Could Have Been a Sailor''), along with some well-known standards (``Long Ago and Far Away,'' ``You're Getting to Be a Habit With Me''). Mike Renzi provides impeccable accompaniment at the piano for the singer's simple, straightforward delivery.
MARK MURPHY ``Night Mood: The Music of Ivan Lins'' (Milestone 9154) - Ivan Lins is being talked about a lot in musical circles these days. The Brazilian composer has written some lovely songs, including ``The Island'' and ``Love Wants to Dance.'' Here vocalist Murphy does a whole album of Lins's songs in English and Portuguese, accompanied by the Brazilian band Azymuth, with pleasant results. Murphy's gravelly baritone is easy to listen to, and Claudio Roditi's trumpet and flugelhorn backgrounds add a nice touch.
ARMEN DONELIAN ``A Reverie: Solo Piano'' (Sunnyside 1019) - Pianist Donelian has a reputation as a jazz pianist, but on this solo release he plays a broad selection of mostly original music that falls loosely into the ``New Age'' category. Unlike some other practitioners of that music, though, Donelian has a fine technique, and his compositions have a lot of substance. Some of his pieces are reminiscent of Dave Brubeck's early classical/jazz crossover solo piano work.
LEVEL 42 ``Running in the Family'' (Polydor 831593-1Y-1) - This is a solid follow-up to the sophisticated British pop/rock band's successful previous US release, ``World Machine.'' The music is rich in jazz-influenced harmonies and striking melodies and gives more than a nod to Stevie Wonder, in both the composition and vocal style of lead singer-bassist Mark King. Every cut is good, but the best just may be the title tune and the ballad ``Two Solitudes.''
THE SYSTEM ``Don't Disturb This Groove'' (Atlantic 81691-1) - David Frank (keyboards) and Mic Murphy (vocals) are The System, and this is their second album. They play a high-tech fusion of R&B, pop, rock, and dance music - tight, polished, and upbeat. However, the only song that really stands out is the title tune, and that may be largely because of the stylish video that's associated with it.
