JAZZ : ALBUM REVIEWS : *** RICK MARGITZA : “Hope” : <i> Blue Note</i>

All those who feel that contemporary jazz has been plagued by cold precision and dull predictability are hereby referred to this tenor saxophonist/composer. The 28-year-old Detroit native’s second recording is an ambitious, and largely successful attempt to reach across established categories in search of an individual voice.

Margitza’s big, resonant sound is filled with surging emotions on pieces like “Heritage” and “The Old Country.” But he also can be brightly energetic (“The Journey” and “Song of Hope”) as well as outright humorous (“Cornfed”).

Ensembles range from a duet between Margitza and bassist Marc Johnson on “Mother’s Day” to the big band backing for “Walls.” It’s a plate full of styles and sounds, but Margitza--who has the definite look of a bright new jazz star--has the talent and imagination to keep everything in balance.