As a drummer, composer, author and educator, Terri Lyne Carrington is as diverse as she is prolific. On New Standards Vol. 1, the three-time Grammy winner, who has performed with such giants as Dizzy Gillespie, Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Lester Bowie and more, focuses her attention on material written by women. It is an audio companion of sorts to her new book, New Standards: 101 Lead Sheets by Women Composers. Carrington explores their work with her quintet, including trumpeter Nicholas Payton, pianist Kris Davis, bassist Linda May Han Oh and guitarist Matthew Stevens, augmented by an impressive list of guests.

Naturally, the selections by the 11 selected composers vary stylistically and most will be new to listeners. The most familiar tune is the great Abbey Lincoln’s classic, “Throw It Away,” that opens with hand clapping and chanting with Carrington on percussion. Guest Melanie Charles sings it with a lighter heart.

“Continental Cliff” by Patricia Perez stands as one of the edgier inclusions, with Payton screamin’ way on top, encouraged by Carrington’s demanding drumming. Quieter is Elaine Elias’ “Moments,” with Diane Reeves on vocals and Ravi Coltrane on saxophone. Payton’s and Coltrane’s horns pair well on Brandee Younger’s “Respected Destroyer” with flautist Elena Pinderhughs brightening the tune that begins as rather foreboding.
“Rounds,” which was recorded live in the Red Room at the Berklee College of Music, closes the album in a very different sphere though not totally unexpectedly, considering its composer, the brilliantly individualistic Marilyn Chrispell. Let’s just say it’s “out” in a fun way, highlighted by Payton’s trumpet antics above Stevens’ solid bass and Davis’ whimsical piano. There’s emptier space surrounding Carrington, a plus as she doesn’t solo much on the release.

New Standards Vol. 1 reflects the vision, intellect, passion and power that drives Terri Lyne Carrington.