Putting on an album called "Fractals" might seem a bit off-putting to a jazz fan. The term refers to a structure composed of parts, each of which approximates the whole form. Jazz is about endlessly creative variations on themes. Sure enough, the title tune of guitarist Rick Stone's CD begins with a musically mathematical excursion that sounds like the splitting of cells into new organisms. But not to worry; after the introduction Stone is off on a solo, improvising beautifully over and around the modular chord pattern. And while his compositions are cerebral, they certainly don't lack for swinging. In fact some of them --- notably "Speed Bump" and "The Phrygerator" --- combine lightning speed with tricky inverted melodies as catchy as they are complex. And Stone puts his beautiful ringing tone to work reinventing several classics, including "Darn That Dream," "Stella By Starlight," and "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes." A veteran of the New York scene, Stone has led groups with sidemen like Kenny Barron, Eric Alexander and Ralph Lalama and is an in-demand sideman himself. On "Fractals" he enjoys the able assistance (and occasional fine soloing) of Marco Panascia on bass and Tom Pollard, drums.