BY OWEN CORDLE – CORRESPONDENT

New York City alto saxophonist Mike DiRubbo studied with Jackie McLean at the University of Hartford. For fans familiar with the late McLean’s big, diamond-hard alto sound and angular lines, this should provide a reference point for hearing DiRubbo. But that’s not the entire story, for DiRubbo plays with more joy and lyricism in his sound and also incorporates some of John Coltrane’s inchworm-like multi-noted runs in his solos. These attributes appear throughout DiRubbo’s “Repercussion” (Posi-Tone), a quartet session that veers pleasingly from the mainstream favored by his age group. (DiRubbo was born in 1970.) The use of vibes, played by Steve Nelson, helps to set this album apart. Vibes accompaniment isn’t as heavy or dense as piano or guitar accompaniment can be, and this frees not only DiRubbo but also bassist Dwayne Bruno and the late drummer Tony Reedus. Nelson, who plays chorded as well as single-line solos, contributes much to the success of these performances. The title tune, a minor-key DiRubbo original that opens the album, and Dave Brubeck’s “The Duke,” which follows, establish hot and cool poles for things to come. Except for Burton Lane’s “Too Late Now,” the remainder of the tunes are DiRubbo originals. Alto, vibes, bass and drums — a different ensemble sound that hasn’t been done to death. Yeah.