‘Life After Death’ Sad Waste Of Talent

The Notorious B.I.G.

“Life After Death” (Bad Boy/Arista/BMG)

“Let the gunshots blow,” bellows B.I.G. in this self-hating circus of death, objectification and defeat. “Life After Death” is a hypocritical counterpoint to the “Stop The Gunfight” album on which he also appears, and its prime audience includes suburban pre-adolescents who buy into its cynical demonization of ghetto youths. The pre-release murder of B.I.G. seemed a premeditated slaying, a deed ordained by organized crime rather than mere poisonous role-playing. A sad waste of time, this record also confirms a woeful waste of life and talent.

Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds

“The Boatman’s Call” (Mute/Reprise)

The follow-up to Nick Cave’s “Murder Ballads” album couldn’t be more different. As with much of Cave’s post-Birthday Party work, the songs on “The Boatman’s Call” are steeped in gospel - but the message here is redemption through love rather than perdition for sin. Regardless of the settings, though, it is Cave’s literate, passionate voice that is the album’s drawing power, from the unabashed romance of “West Country Girl” to the inconsolable loss of “Far From Me.”

Various Artists

“Alto Summit Featuring Phil Woods, Vincent Herring and Antonio Hart” (Milestone)

Alto sax teamings, for some reason, are rare, so the fact that this one’s a burner makes it even more worthwhile for fans of take-no-prisoners mainstream jazz. Woods, Herring and Hart leap into the music from the opening bars of the first tune, Sonny Clark’s classic “Blue Minor,” without being the least self-indulgent or assaultive. Listening to them play alone and in “battles,” pushed and kicked by Allen’s drumming, is a thrill; it’s also a treat to hear all three in harmony ensembles. Even a war horse like “All The Things You Are” seems young and frisky again. There’s a tip of the hat to Cannonball Adderley in their version of “God Bless The Child” - they borrow his opening vamp to “Save Your Love For Me.” Works here, too!

Third Rail

“South Delta Space Age” (Antilles)

Third Rail is a kind of left-field supergroup that features progressive guitar veteran James Blood Ulmer, bassist/impresario Bill Laswell, keyboard MVPs Bernie Worrell and Amina Claudine Myers, and noted percussionist Ziggy Modeliste of the Meters. Highlights of a passionately percolating set include the irresistible Ulmerized R&B groove of “Lord Thank You,” the lovely gospel-folk simplicity of “Please Tell Her,” and the driving funk-rock of “First Blood.” The funky drum rolls and seductively catchy organ theme of instrumental cut “Blues March” earn it oddball hit potential.