Kevin Whitehead

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead says Ornette Coleman's new album, Virgin Beauty, is the best and most accessible example yet of his harmolodic approach. The alto saxophonist is backed by his electric band Prime Time, which features the Grateful Dead's Jerry Garcia on several tracks.

Most people know Steve Turre as the pony-tailed trombonist in the Saturday Night Live band. His new album, Fire and Ice, pairs a jazz combo with a string section. Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead says the CD version -- with more tracks than the LP -- is the one to buy.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead says the group Five Elements isn't his favorite setting for saxophonist Steve Coleman, but Sine Die is their strongest work yet. Cassandra Wilson contributions are a real highlight; she contributes vocals to four songs.