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*** Michael Marcus/Jaki Byard

THIS HAPPENING

(Justin Time)

A delightful recording that offers further proof of the growing stature of young saxophonist Marcus and an all-too-rare chance to hear neglected veteran pianist Byard. As he did on his last album as a leader, Marcus moves toward the center of the jazz spectrum without sacrificing any of the emotional power packed by his first couple of free-jazz recordings. He sticks to saxello and stritch, seldom-heard reed instruments that he plays with a broad-shouldered tone and vocal warmth. Original Marcus compositions like "The Cry for Peace" and "Steppin' Down with Jaki" boast a songlike charm that inspires direct, no nonsense, bluesy performances of great beauty and strength.

The 75-year-old Byard, an irrepressible eclectic who thinks nothing of covering the history of jazz piano from stride to free in the course of a solo, has been more expansive in the past. But even in this (mainly) reflective setting, he can't resist throwing in some curves on "Kelso Tracks South," and few pianists could wring as much feeling from simply revoicing chords the way he does on Coltrane's "Naima." This is a free-spirited ramble through the jazz continuum, by two players of different generations who work together like old friends.

-- Ed Hazell

(Marcus and Byard perform tonight, August 7, at the Regattabar in the Charles Hotel, Harvard Square; call 876-7777.)