*** Phajja

SEIZE THE MOMENT

(Warner Bros.)

Smooth harmonies, light in melody but full of body, distinguish Phajja from the raspy-to-giddy work of rival vocal trios. So does the group's production, which features mid-tempo, widely spaced beats backed by delicate guitar work, hi-hat and cymbal rhythms, and a bit of piano -- just enough music to time the group's harmonies and introduce their frothy-light high notes and juicy-fruit low tones. Inevitably, perhaps, one hears in their slender songbird approach echoes of Toni Braxton. Still, from the sadness of "So Long," the horniness of "What Are You Waiting For," and the funky hurt of "Why You Wanna Pick on Me" all the way to the dreamlights of the Christopher Cross hit "Sailing," Phajja insist on a soft touch -- one less fatal than Braxton's swoon -- in order to project a bit of hope into music of sweet nighttime sadness.

-- Michael Freedberg