An avant-jazz trumpet/bass/drums trio. Very lively, the music leaps at you, shining and turning. Yet it’s not music to dance to. Still, Groove has a good one (groove), and the contorsions in Fourteen do sketch out something that could sweep you off your feet. Consistent improvisation, occasionally showing its teeth, delivered in small-to-medium doses (2 to 10 minutes per portion). Very good.

Translated from French.

Altering the paradigm so that each instrument is as important as any other creates a more equitable and satisfying performance — and boosts the trumpet’s role. Toronto’s Jim Lewis, Andrew Downing and Jean Martin demonstrate this On a Short Path from Memory to Forgotten (Barnyard Records BR 0311 www.barnyardrecords.com). Consisting of 10 instant compositions, there is no foreground or background instrument. One tune for example could be a capriccio, as Lewis’ joyful trumpet blasts define the theme; another is dependent on Downing’s thumping bass pulsations; and almost all are illuminated more by the splashes of multiphonic color Martin creates with gamelan-like bell tones and triangle resonation than a steady beat from his regular kit. Showcasing Lewis’ phrasing, which ranges from staccato heraldic blasts to graceful flutters, is Eight, the tune in which his moderated a capella puffs give way to a rubato, double-time version of theme and finally to aviary chirps plus whistling resounds. These intertwine with martial rolls and rebounds from Martin and walking slap bass from Downing.