AFRO-CUBAN FANTASY-- If you're of sufficient years to recall the best work of Stan Kenton, Dizzy Gillespie, Shorty Rogers, Machito and Cal Tjader, then this marvelous new release from Poncho Sanchez should send us dancing around the Christmas tree. An eight-man group plays a dozen tunes in the Latin style that won a huge following in the late '40s and early '50s. Leader Sanchez shows his expertise on congas, percussion and vocals. David Torres does stunning work at the piano and Francisco Torres contributes some nice solos on trombone. Dianne Reeves, who well may have inherited the soul of Sarah Vaughan, joins in for three tunes, including a gorgeous, lush version of "Darn That Dream." It's one of the albums of the year. (Concord)

BRASS ATTITUDE-- Maynard Ferguson may have entered his eighth decade on the planet, but his trumpet triumphs continue unabated by time in his latest with the band he calls Big Bop Nouveau. There are exciting renditions of "Just Friends," and seven other swingers, but the album's centerpiece is a 16-minute suite called "Misra-Dhenuka," one of those bombastic, classically tinged things that Stan Kenton tackled frequently during the old days. Good album. (Concord Jazz)

POST NO BILLS-- Drummer Joe Ascione makes his debut as a leader in this solid collection of standards. The piano of Dave LaLama will keep your attention. Tenor man Jerry Weldon and guitarist Ron Affif also contribute. The album's opener, "My Shining Hour," is a special treat. (Arbors)

CHRISTMAS COOKIES-- This second volume of Fresh Batch's "Jazz Treats for the Holidays" should provide a nice background for Christmas Day dinner. Charlie Bertini put the set together. The trumpeter's cohorts include six adept musicians. The 17 tunes include both pop and traditional holiday songs, ranging from "White Christmas" (done as a samba) to Victor Herbert's "Toyland." (Arbors)

COOL BLUES WALK-- A little bit of blues will make the sugar go down, and I can think of few bluesmen more palatable than Eddy "The Chief" Clearwater. His latest set sees Clearwater in solid form (after a long absence from the studio) in an 11-song extravaganza that will blues his fans and perhaps attract new listeners. Blues devotees will especially enjoy his version of "I Just Want to Make Love to You." Good stuff by a veteran. (Bullseye)

LA FEMME NIKITA-- An alluring photo of the actress who plays the lead in the cable TV series "La Femme Nikita" decorates the cover of this soundtrack album, which includes cuts from Depeche Mode, Enigma, Morcheeba, Hednoize, and Morphine. The 15 tracks are okay, but definitely qualify as background music. (TVT Soundtrax)

PERSPECTIVES-- Here's a delightful assembling of good stuff from British folkie Leon Rosselson, who deserved to become a star in the U.S., but never quite made it. His quirky songs, often funny, tackle many topics with a winning abandon. His heavily accented voice makes this collection an aural delight for those willing to listen to an original. Excellent! (Gadfly Records)

THE WIZARD OF OZ-- A slick, 90-minute stage version of the perennial movie "The Wizard of Oz" achieved modest success in a couple of runs in New York City before launching a nationwide tour this Fall. Now there's a cast recording, which includes golden-voiced 16-year-old Jessica Grove' from Columbus, Ohio, as Dorothy, Mickey Rooney as The Wizard, and '50s movie star Eartha Kitt as The Wicked Witch. Ken Page, famous for being the Cowardly Lion in the hip musical "The Wiz" appears, along with Bob Dorian, a familiar face to TV watchers for his introductions to old movies on the AMC cable channel. The album includes an excellent orchestra and this venerable music sounds great in a beautifully produced recording. Recommended, especially if you have little ones in the house. (TVT Soundtrax)

SUN WIND-- New Age music is an acquired taste and I've fought it off for years, but this new album by guitarist Larry Conklin makes good accompaniment for a tough task at your home computer. The music's aim is to recreate the effect of the Northern Lights, that phenomenon best witnessed in the Arctic regions. Other tunes include delving into the experience of looking out a train window, an anthem to perseverance and courage, and a lovely tribute to writer Richard Farina. Excellent production, soothing sound. (Inak Records)

LOOKING FOR EGYPT-- Eric Garrison's new album leaves the listener searching for ways to describe this personable young man, whose music wanders from folk to rock to pop easily and with aplomb. The opening cut, "Morning Glories," has a terrific hook and could easily wind up as a radio favorite. The album's flow is somewhat inconsistent, but never less than interesting. Worth hearing. (China Moon Productions)

COMPLIMENTARY COLORS-- Combining the seemingly impossible is the trick pulled out of the hat by Corky Siegel, whose new album takes classical instrumentation and gives it a blues attitude. The result mostly results in pleasing the ears, while not overwhelming or offending fans of either genre. Many of the songs involve adding a blues harmonica to a string quartet, with the occasional inclusion of percussion, tabla, piano, or percussion. The results are fun. It's great for those seeking something a bit different. (Gadfly Records)

I'll have many more stocking stuffers in the next column. Stay tuned!

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