Lily White has fairly original tones on tenor and alto, and her music ranges from hard bop to post-bop playing that borders on the avant-garde, while not being shy of melody. Her quirky sense of humor can be heard in spots during this CD where the mood suddenly shifts or some odd sounds occur. White and her quartet (guitarist David Phelps, the superb pianist Michael Jefry Stevens, bassist
Chris Dahlgren and drummer
Eric Halvorson) perform nine of the leader's originals, a song by Phelps, and two brief free improvisations. Trombonist
Conrad Herwig (on five of the 12 numbers) and trumpeter Kenny Rampton (making a guest appearance on "If I Had Faith") are also assets. The level of musicianship is high, and plenty of chances are taken; even if none of the individual pieces by themselves are that memorable, the playing throughout is colorful and friendly. One comes away impressed by the versatility of the playing, guitarist Phelps' in particular. ~ Scott Yanow