JAZZ (1990)

Courtney Pine, a young John Coltrane-influenced saxophonist, is the first Brit since Tubby Hayes, 30 years ago, to attract attention on the international jazz scene. During his 1988 U.S. tour, he put some people off with his 20- minute solos. But he proved he had something to say. On his new quartet session, which includes pianist Ellis Marsalis, he tries to compensate with a program of standards. Yet his intonation is off, and his unfamiliarity with the material is obvious. He struggles valiantly, but only occasionally (as on ''I'm an Old Cowhand'') makes his mark. The most vital performances-especially ''A Ragamuffin's Stance''-are in the Coltrane mode.