Album of the Day

For multi-instrumentalist Yusef Lateef, jazz was a starting point for journeys that ventured into world music and beyond; his 1989 release NOCTURNES came on the heels of a Best New Age Album Grammy. As tough as the Atlantic collection is to pigeonhole, it's well-titled; the dozen tracks here evoke the mood of dark evenings with playing that ranges from stark dissonance to calm beauty. Lateef's flute, sax and keyboard work is complemented by a fine band including trumpeter Hugh Schick, and standouts include “Compassion Duration” and “Warm Intensity.” NOCTURNES celebrates its 30th anniversary this month, and its often ominous soundscapes still make for terrific late-night listening.