by François CoutureTranslucent Tones was recorded almost two years after the debut CD by the Clarinet Trio. The dryness and chamber feel of the first opus have been ironed out to make place for a jazzier approach and a warmth only well-worn units can produce. This trio has reached a peak. The ease of conversation is remarkable as the three make the complex arrangements flow effortlessly. Listen to how they trade lines simultaneously in Nabicht's "Anna." Highlights include both of Ullmann's "Translucent Tones" -- they stand among his best compositions. His two arrangements of Nino Rota tunes bring a touch of sun to the set. Also worthy of note are the new arrangements of Ullmann's group pieces, "Blue Trees and Related Objects" and "Almost Twenty-Eight," "Variations on a Theme by Erik Satie," and the exercises "Animalische Stimmen" (an animal-sounding piece) and "Der Ton A" (a swinging number played on a single note). The trio is witty, playful, tender when necessary, and quite fun to listen to -- no poise, no rigid concept, just three clarinetists with different backgrounds and an all-encompassing knowledge of their instruments' legacy, led by a skilled avant-garde jazz composer.