While Merchant has fashioned a successful solo career, her critics--and they are legion--continue to complain that without printed lyrics her fans have no clue to what she's singing. It doesn't make a difference to her ardent audience. And I suspect that chances are good that given enough exposure, Liz Graham will attract a rowdy crowd of devotees. She possesses all the elements: distinctive sound, a wicked way with a guitar, and the ability to write songs that reach an audience. Just the single problem exists: without a lyric sheet, I would have been in the dark.

It seems logical that singers, particularly folk singers to whom words are more important than any other part of their music, need to be able to warble with a clarity of the bluebirds perched on the oak tree outside one's bedroom window on a bright, promising morning.

Graham's producers thankfully included full lyrics printed on the album insert, along with five photographs of the lithesome young beauty, which doesn't harm one's chances to get a break in show business.

I confess that I like this album very much, and it has spin on my CD player numerous times over the past few days, while many other albums sit patiently awaiting a chance to display their wares to me.

Before your next time out, Ms. Graham, please consider one or two lessons in pronouncing words. It will make you much more effective if your fans know what the heck you're saying. And you obviously have plenty to say, about relationships, dreams, and the important stuff of a personal life.

Despite my caveats, this is a very good album that deserves to be heard.

"Guitar Pete" Brasino has the right stuff: a blazing way with the electric guitar, a prime sensibility for the blues, and a serviceable if not overwhelming voice that possesses the right attitude for this genre. Depending on the song, Guitar Pete can be outraged, depressed, or defiant.

"Burning Bridges" (Tangible 56812-2) contains ten tracks that offer Brasino ample opportunity to show his mettle. Although Guitar Pete has enjoyed several shots at the big time, first with three albums of heavy metal known as "Guitar Pete's Axe Attack." Four years ago he signed with Giant Records to make an album with his new band, Snakeyed Sue. But Brasino wanted to control his destiny, which led him to the independent label that's releasing "Burning Bridges."

If you watch MTV's "Summershare," you may have seen Brasino, who's also been a sidekick to VJ Jessie Camp's "Lunch with Jessie" program. The new album's lead track, "Turnin' Off," was pulled off a cassette and featured on the radio show Blues Deluxe, heard in 48 radio markets.

When "Burning Bridges" hits the stores in a few weeks, Guitar Pete expects to hit the road with a trio, supporting the album. It's a good one.

For additional information on Liz Graham or Guitar Pete, check the web site at www.tangible-music.com or e-mail Gary Brody at gary@tangible-music.com.

The valve trombone is difficult. Ask anyone who's ever tried to play the damned thing. When it comes to doing impossible jazz licks on the valve, there's one master. His name is Al Grey, and he's still going strong despite a career that stretches back several decades. He turned 73 this year.

Proof is listening to "Matzoh and Grits" (Arbors ARCD 19167), in which Grey is joined by a superb group of five players for an 11-song set of great mainstream jazz.

Those who go way back in their affinity with jazz will remember Grey's long stint as a member of the immortal Count Basie band. His recordings as a leader are regretfully few, and this superb album will give newcomers to the genre ample opportunity to catch a master still in his prime. There are three originals in the album, along with a diverse bunch of familiar tunes and a couple not so notable. The album contains nothing less than excellence, from the first note to the last, with special nods deserved by "My Romance," "Polka Dots and Moonbeams," and "Things Ain't What They Used to Be."

Also worth noting are the outstanding liner notes by jazz critic Chip Deffaa.

Arbors Records specializes in mainstream jazz by some of the best purveyors of the form, including a wonderful new album by premium percussionist Jake Hanna and His After Hours Gang. "The Joint is Jumpin'" (Arbors 19148) boasts a cast of great musicians, including pianist Ross Tompkins and tenor man Tommy Newsom from the old Tonight Show band, along with the sensational trombonist John Allred, the comical and accomplished trumpet player Jack Sheldon (who contributes some vocal licks, too), and David Stone on bass.

Jake Hanna's long career with some of the best bands ever heard made him a drummer of impeccable taste, which he demonstrates effectively on this dandy album.

I guess you'd call the product of The Magnificent VII "modern Dixieland." And that's a good thing, as evidenced in "The Newport Beach Session" (Arbors ARCD 19129), a 14-tune collection that should please jazz fans of all types.

The band boasts seven of the best working musicians, including Jon-Erik Kellso on cornet, the fabulous Bob Haggart on bass, and the excellent Gene Estes behind the drum kit. Many of the songs are standards of Dixieland, including "Struttin' with Some Barbecue" and "Hindustan." It's an album full of fun.

For information on ordering any Arbors title, check their web site at: www.arborsjazz.com. Or e-mail Arbors at: mrd@gate.net.

According to the publicity sheet included with his new album, Jim Campilongo has been called a "six string shaman" by Billboard, and "sonically adventurous" by Stereophile.

"Table for One" (Blue Hen No. 3) includes Rob Burger on the Hammond B3 organ, Chris Kee on drums and Jim Goldmark on pedal steel for one tune. The album demonstrates adequately that Campilongo is at home with the Telecaster, at home with rockabilly, straight country, and brief excursions into jazz.

For more information, go to Blue Hen's web site at: www.bluehenrecords.com.

Bob Powers seeks the help of independent record companies. He's interested in receiving new releases in any genre (no classical, though). For information on sending promotional materials, contact Bob by e-mail at rpowers@ee.net