Lisa Hilton is incredibly prolific. Restless, too. She doesn't stick to any one jazz school, and she seems to truly enjoy following where her band takes her compositions.

Lisa Hilton Chalkboard Destiny (Ruby Slippers Productions)

These pieces are all hers, except for a riff on Joni Mitchell's "Blue Boy." And while each does center on her stylish and often understated piano work, there isn't a central theme to unify her sound. It's jazz, yes, and it fits in nicely with more "classic jazz" sounds--and also with the poppier side of things.

A perfect example is the title track, which really showcases Hilton's ability to soundshift. There's also more than one nod to Vince Guaraldi (the guy who scored the good Charlie Brown specials). The song moves along one kinetic arc, turns on a dime and then returns with inventive variation. The playing skill is impressive; the writing and arranging is even more arresting.

Hilton's music is so easy to like that it can be possible to understate how solid she and her band are. This album hits the ears at an almost perfect angle and settles in for the night. That's not luck, and that doesn't happen because she's peddling pabulum. Rather, this is the latest expression from an artist who continues to search confidently. Searching for what? You'll have to listen to find out.

Jon Worley