*** DAVID LIEBMAN, “The Elements: Water,� Arkadia Jazz

Here’s a jazz concept album that actually works quite well. The first of four projected CD suites devoted to the elements of water, earth, fire and air, the collection showcases Liebman’s saxophones and wooden flute with guitarist Pat Metheny, bassist Cecil McBee and drummer Billy Hart. What results is a far-reaching set of pieces carefully structured to balance written passages and solos in thematic settings reflecting such water-related themes as “White Caps,� “Reflecting Pool� and “Storm Surge.� The combination of Liebman and Metheny is particularly strong, ranging from soft, ethnic-sounding passages to roaring avant-garde explosiveness--a potent reminder that there is far more to jazz in the ‘90s than the more frequently heard, retro examinations of the past.

*

Albums are rated on a scale of one star (poor) to four (excellent).