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Henrik Jensen's Followed By Thirteen: Blackwater
ByThe band may be based in the UK, but its members are an international bunch. Bassist and leader Jensen is Danish, as is pianist Esben Tjalve; Andre Canniere hails from Philadelphia and drummer Fusco is Italian. Although the band's name is somewhat enigmaticfollowed by thirteen what?; should we be concerned about such stalking?the music is warm and accessible.
After Canniere's bright opening phrase, "The Dutch Danemann" bursts into life courtesy of the driving rhythm provided by Jensen, Tjalve and Fusco. The opening section of "London -Berlin" moves between hectic activity and calmer, more settled, momentsperhaps a reflection of Jensen's experience of the two cities. The hectic elements gradually take precedence as all four players up the pace and drive, Fusco urging Tjalve's piano solo forwards.
"Lullaby for the Little One" is a slow, gentle, solo bass outing. It serves as something of an introduction to "Schur-as," which continues in much the same vein as the rest of the band join in one by one to build the tune layer upon layer. The two tunes contrast with the faster, more groove-focussed, numbers and show how the four players can control their energies to craft, just as effectively, subtler and more relaxed music.
Track Listing
The Dutch Danemann; London - Berlin; Bonza; Riccardo's Room; Lullaby for the Little One; Schur-as; The Unready; Cravings.
Personnel
Henrik Jensen
bassHenrik Jensen: bass; Andre Canniere: trumpet, flugelhorn; Esben Tjalve: piano; Antonio Fusco: drums.
Album information
Title: Blackwater | Year Released: 2016 | Record Label: Jellymould Jazz