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Nordic Connect: Flurry
Despite leading a busy recording career as a composer/band leader and featured soloist for the Maria Schneider Orchestra, Jensen's impetus in forming this ensemble was to pursue a musical connection between her sister and pianist Olin, as well as to explore the Nordic connection of the music.
The album begins with a similarity to At Sea, with the smeary, ECM-like title composition. Soon it switches gears, to include a variety of tempos and shifting of musical styles that sometimes suggest a Millennium edition of Art Blakey and The Jazz Messengers and the second Miles Davis Quintet that Jensen has always had an affinity for.
On "Sweet Dream," Jensen's solo suggests that she might be Lee Morgan seeking to break the bonds of gravity, while "Sweet Adelphi" is an uplifting waltz setting for Christine's alto sax. "Things I Love" resumes an atmospheric touch with the addition of Wikan's use of the cajon (Peruvian hand drum).
Many highlights make this album destined for repeated listening with beautiful and haunting work from the musicians. On "Seascape," an impressive feeling of longing permeates the composition; the closing "Breathe/Quadri'l" begins as a down-tempo composition that is intertwined with Christine's alto sax. The piece continues with shifting tonal colors, concluding with some Ingrid's hard bop finale.
All compositions were written by the Jensens and Olin. While there is some sporadic use of the Fender Rhodes, it is not an overwhelming factor insofar as enjoyment of this album.
Track Listing
Flurry; Sweet Adelphi; Things I Love; Sweet Dream; Garden Hour; Seascape; Seafever; Cowboy; Breathe/Quadr.
Personnel
Ingrid Jensen: trumpet, flugelhorn, effects; Christine Jensen: alto and soprano saxophones; Maggi Olin: piano, Fender Rhodes; Jon Wikan: drums, cajon, percussion; Mattias Welin: bass.
Album information
Title: Flurry | Year Released: 2007 | Record Label: ArtistShare
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