Superficially, Allison's schtick hasn't changed much over the years. He's always sung hip-colloquial/sardonic lyrics in a voice filled with buttery country cool, and worked on his distinctive be-bop rooted, trio-format piano style.

So, lovers of his art listen for the little touches. Happily, Your Mind, his first album since 1972, has even more than usual. A horn section (Al Porcino, Joe Farrell, Dave Sanborn) adds some refreshingly unslick, tasty, Allison-arranged horn fills; Sanborn and veteran tenorist Al Cohn contribute brief but warm solos. Six of the 12 tunes are new to Allison's traditionally immutable repertoire; also, his singing and playing seem unusually forceful compared to his efforts on recent recordings. Link all of these elements to Allison's relaxed yet biting lyrical stance, and you hear a cult-figure singer/songwriter beating many of the new breed at their own game. (RS 226)

MICHAEL ROZEK