JAZZ SAXOPHONIST JOSHUA Redman must be in the throes of musical schizophrenia, because his two latest albums on Nonesuch paint wildly divergent portraits of his artistry. On a self-titled debut album culled from the recordings of a 2004 tour, the SFJAZZ Collective (of which Redman is artistic director) build upon the post-bop tradition by performing pieces from a modern jazz master and new works written by members of the group. Redman, however, eschews swing on his album with the Elastic Band, Momentum, in which he filters funky vamps, pop covers, and ambient grooves through the complex thematic and harmonic gaze of a jazz musician.

SFJAZZ Collective opens with alto saxophonist Miguel Zenón's "Lingala," a piece inspired by the traditional music of Zaire. Vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson plays a marimba part that recalls Steve Reich's pattern minimalism, but sudden shifts into swing and jazz changes give the tune distinction. Those surprises – coupled with the wonderful backing of pianist Renee Rosnes, bassist Robert Hurst, and drummer Brian Blade and sharp solos by Hutcherson and Zenón – make the track eye-opening.

The winning streak continues on the other pieces composed by the group. Rosnes's "Of This Day's Journey" builds from a Gil Evans-style morning to the midnight frenzy of a bebop club. "Rise and Fall," by Redman, lives up to its title with shifting dynamics, and Hutcherson's "March Madness" sounds like the hippest circus around.

Though engaging listens, the three Ornette Coleman tracks on the disc seem out of place next to the originals. The arrangements sanitize Coleman and remove the iconoclast's improvised flights of fancy, revealing the sharp blues and strong melodies underneath. Are these interpretations necessary given the compositional riches to be had from the SFJazz Collective itself?

Redman avoids the conundrum on Momentum by engaging with music from a jazz perspective, even as the end product bears no resemblance to jazz's accepted tradition. Moments do recall early Kenny Burrell and fusion-era Miles Davis, but the album is mostly funky instrumentals with soul-baring sax. Redman finds intriguing directions in the most disparate of places, including Led Zeppelin's "The Crunge" (with the Red Hot Chili Peppers' Flea on bass) and Sheryl Crow's "Riverwide." Redman also transforms the Coleman tune "Lonely Woman" into a skittery drum 'n' bass number, with ambient synths beeping in the background.

A theme appears on both SFJAZZ Collective and Momentum. Both albums look for permutations of jazz. Each teases the essential with elements such as world music, modern composition timbres, and even pop music textures. But the difference between the Coleman performances on the two records is that SFJAZZ Collective's look sideways while Momentum's looks ahead. Joshua Redman Elastic Band play Sat/18, Great American Music Hall, SF. (415) 788-7353.

More, More, More

Marcus Shelby Trio The Intersection for the Arts 40th anniversary block party features a number of jazz artists, including Bay Area bassist and composer Marcus Shelby. Catch him then or at Enrico's later in the month. Sat/18, Valencia between 15th and 16th Sts., SF. (415) 626-2787. Also June 23, Enrico's Sidewalk Café, SF. (415) 982-6223.

Charles Lloyd On the heels of his recent release, Jumping the Creek (ECM), the legendary saxophonist comes to town for a four-night stand with pianist Geri Allen, drummer Eric Harland, and bassist Larry Grenadier. June 23-June 26, Yoshi's, Oakl. (510) 238-9200.

Tammy Hall Trio The pianist is known for accompanying vocalists with virtuosic style, but tonight she emerges from the shadows. June 23, Jazz at Pearl's, SF. (415) 291-8255.

Jon Jang and Francis Wong These two frequent musical cohorts perform works for solo piano and solo saxophone at an event titled "Here I Stand." June 24, Clarion Music Center, SF. (415) 391-1317.

'A Jazz Tribute to Ray Charles' Saxophonist David "Fathead" Newman played with Ray Charles for 12 years. For the Stanford Jazz Festival's tribute to Brother Ray, he leads an all-star band including local luminary Kim Nalley. June 25, Campbell Recital Hall, Stanford University, Palo Alto. (650) 752-ARTS.

Mingus Amungus Bay Area keepers of the Charles Mingus flame carry his music and inspiration into the present for the SFJAZZ Summerfest. June 30, Stanford Shopping Center, Palo Alto. (415) 788-7353.

Alex K. Fong