The trombonist Roswell Rudd, 82, is best

known for his work as an avant-garde

improviser, but he moves in many musical

worlds. Everywhere he goes he leads with

levity and warmth, giving even his far-out

disquisitions a humanist appeal. On his new

album, “Embrace,” recorded with a quartet, Mr.

Rudd and the remarkable vocalist Fay Victor

relish the tonal proximity of their instruments,

doing a sympathetic and intertwining dance.

It’s especially fetching on this reading of

“Pannonica,” Thelonious Monk’s affectionate

prismatic ballad.