Dreamer (1990)

Erica Lindsay's tenor sax was first heard on the New York scene a decade ago, but she never recorded an album until now. She manages to compel interest without a huge sound or virtuoso dazzle. Her style is pensive, even dark, and she can sketch evocative melodies with a handful of notes. She's also an effective bandleader, working within an ensemble style that has its origin in '50s hard bop. All the selections on Dreamer — except ''Day Dream,'' written by Billy Strayhorn, Duke Ellington, and J.J. LaTouche — are originals. The versatile Howard Johnson provides winning support, especially with his tuba playing on ''First Movement.''