NEW RELEASES : In Brief : <i> Albums are rated on a scale of one star (poor) to five (a classic). : </i>

*** Jean-Luc Ponty, “Tchokola,” Epic. Ponty seems genuinely transformed by the propulsive power of the fascinating African rhythm section. Most of the pieces offer few harmonic challenges. Still, the violinist finds plenty to work with in the disjunct juju , makossa and zouk rhythms that give this recording its true sense of vitality. Ponty is very nearly upstaged by bassist Guy Nsangue’s attention-grabbing solo work, but the date’s creative conviviality allows ample room for individual showboating.