Tellingly, the treatment Eric Clapton’s “Layla” receives from marimbist Mika Stoltzman on her latest release is less in the spirit of Cream’s blistering rock anthem and more the laid-back acoustic overhaul the guitarist gave the song on 1992’s Unplugged. In place of the desperate howl of the original, the words “Layla, you got me on my knees” are delivered against a soulful folk-shuffle on the live set. In like manner, Stoltzman’s sultry take on the song is mellow, and a similar vibe permeates other pieces. Her bandmates, marquee players such as pianist Geoffrey Keezer, bassist Eddie Gomez, and drummer Steve Gadd, are certainly capable of playing with fire and fury; in this context, however, her partners tailor their playing to the restrained mood…

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