“JAZZ AT THE SMITHSONIAN.” Mel Lewis and...

“JAZZ AT THE SMITHSONIAN.” Mel Lewis and the Jazz Orchestra. Sony 96W 50086. In effect, this is a salute to Herbie Hancock, since three of four extended performances in the 55-minute set are Hancock originals: the dense, intense “One Finger Snap,” the long-familiar “Eye of the Hurricane” and “Dolphin Dance.” But the style of the 17-piece ensemble is more reminiscent of big-band bebop, ‘40s and ‘50s style. Don’t look for any world-shaking innovations either in the solos or the arrangements; nevertheless, as an example of present day big-band jazz with strong links to the past, it’s an invigorating set, with bristling work by Gary Smulyan on baritone sax, Gary Pribek on tenor and a rhythm section that cooks with the help of the pianist Jim McNeely and the bassist Dennis Irwin. A three-minute interview gives Lewis a chance to explain the role of the drummer, as he sees it, in a large orchestral setting. 3 1/2 stars.