ANTHONY BRAXTON—The Complete Braxton 1971(Arista Freedom):: Braxton's music is difficult to warm to—four years ago I regarded it as cold and pointless. But he's a prolific recorder and there's been ample opportunity for me to get inside his music and vice versa. And if at times he still sounds cold, it's the result of the exercising of a fiercely Curious intellect, and if at times the music seems pointless, it's the result of a fiercely uncompromising pursuit of a very personal musical vision. These newly released sides from six years ago may not hit you right away (unless you're already a Braxton devotee), but give 'em time, babe, lots of time.

R.C.W.

STEPHANE GRAPPELLI—Parisian Thoroughfare (Arista Freedom):: This is a mainstream jazz set which demostrates that violinist Grappelli, who's pushing 70, can still get it up. A very happy mixture of standards and originals and an inspiration to those who feel they may have to give it up when they reach 30. Or any other age. before check out time. R.C.W.