Unfortunately, the slower songs are as faceless and schmaltzy as any of Whalum's previous work. It is performances like Whalum's cover of 'NSync's "God Must Have Spent A Little More Time On You" that frustrate jazz fans; all the evidence points toward a talented musician afraid to display any individuality. And, ultimately, it is this lack of individuality which mars Unconditional. Whalum wears each smooth-jazz hat-Grover Washington, Kenny G, David Sanborn-well in their respective turn. However, you can't help but feel that the real Kirk Whalum has yet to be heard. B- -Malik B. Ali

Murray Perahia

Bach: Goldberg Variations

(Sony Classical)

A convincing performance of Bach's monumental Goldberg Variations requires much more than brilliant virtuosity and finger agility. Written both to alleviate a Count Kaiserling of his nightly insomnia and as a set of "keyboard exercises," the work has become one of the cornerstones of the repertoire, its aria instantly recognizable to many. Among the aria and 30 variations are nine canons, a French overture, fugues and a quodlibet.