A & E

There's a certain segment of rock criticism that allocates genius based solely on the gravity or portent of music.

That kind of thinking overlooks a critical element: fun. "Alpacas Orgling," a tribute to the music of Electric Light Orchestra's Jeff Lynne, is perhaps the most effervescent, bubbly mix of grand, sweeping choruses and melodies since ELO's "A New World Record."

The brainchild of singer and songwriter Bleu, and featuring contributions from Andy Sturmer of Jellyfish and Mike Viola of the Candy Butchers, the songs reflect, indirectly, Lynne's Beatlesque inclinations. Thus "Goodbye Innocence" borrows from "Across the Universe" as well as "Strange Magic." "Ya Had Me Goin," the album's brightest, most upbeat track -- and that's saying a lot in this collection -- weds Bleu's John Lennon-inspired vocal with ELO's "Evil Woman."

Nor does the music ever delve into parody. By the last track, "Sukaz Are Born Every Minute" -- a glorious slice of melancholic rock -- you forget the influences and are just enthralled with the music.

-- Regis Behe

'African Tarantella'
Stefon Harris (Blue Note)

Vibes player Stefon Harris constantly displays his developing strength on his instruments on "African Tarantella." But he also shows remarkable talent as an arranger and a conceptualist. Five of the selections on this album are from two suites by Duke Ellington, while the other three are from a Harris composition that fit remarkably well with the mood and tone of the others. One of the best moments on the album, however, is Harris' near-solo presentation of "The Single Petal of a Rose," where he's accompanied only by the bowed bass of Derrick Hodge. The other pieces use an octet featuring the clarinet of Greg Tardy and the trombone of Steve Turre. Its sound is given more depth by a violins and cellist. That variety of ensemble elements create an album that offers a range of sounds and instrumental approaches. And that doesn't even mention great play and good compositions.

-- Bob Karlovits

'From This Moment On'
Diana Krall (Verve)

Sometimes you are who you hang out with. On "From This Moment On," Diana Krall establishes she is far more than a singer who has managed to catch hold of a great marketing move. And, hanging out with the Clayton/Hamilton Jazz Orchestra doesn't hurt at all. Krall presents 11 well-known songs in quite predictable fashion. "How Insensitive" is a gentle bossa nova. "From This Moment On" has great swing. "Little Girl Blue" is lovely in its gentle sadness. No surprises really, but the performance of the band and its arrangements are consistently outstanding. Krall's work fits in well with that. For instance, her gentle swing matches perfectly the attitude of the orchestra. She even rises in intensity just as the band does. Krall offers a few piano solos on the album, but this is an outing of her voice and the band more than anything.

-- Bob Karlovits

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