Andrew White Quartet, "Live" (side C)

I first discovered Andrew White as a member of the Julius Hemphill Sextet, a group that preserves the late saxist's repertoire.  While Hemphill was an obvious influence on White's work, the closer analog for this album is definitely Sam Rivers.  Like Rivers, White falls somewhere in the middle of the avant—traditional continuum.  The rhythm section here often swings, and the structures involve development based on a head.  The musicianship, especially White's saxophone playing, varies wildly, from somewhat traditional to strident free-blowing.  Perhaps because he resides in D.C. and seems to purposely keep a low-profile, White seems comfortable defying any divisions or expectations.  The album design of "Live" is simple with a lot of white space (and a surprising calligraphy-like font choice), and the recording is a competent, if obviously low-budget, live recording from 1970.