Jens Jefsen: Music Between Gigs

Danish bassist Jens Jefsen returns with another bass-centric album which is definitely not "solo bass," a sequel to A Secret Sigh (Gateway Music, 2016). Like the previous album the music emphasizes melody—which Jefsen finds in standards, modern pop songs and his originals—and varied, colorful arrangements. Jefsen's "Esto Es Lo Mio" opens the set with a sprightly pizzicato double bass melody (accompanied by overdubbed bass and foot stomping). Guitarist Uffe Steen (a repeat guest from Sigh) contributes accompaniment and a comparably melodic solo. "Ciribiribin" continues in the same vein, but carried entirely by the bass. Jefsen's playing has a lightness which belies normal expectations of how a double bass should sound, seemingly as much from his attitude as the tone he produces on the instrument.

The Neopolitan song "Funiculi Funicula" somehow fits right in, this time with the addition of tenor saxophonist Stephan Kammerer, and an updated modern groove. Cahit Ece's duduk (an Armenian double-reed instrument) makes lyrical contributions to "Lateral Thinking'' (which also features accordionist Emir Bosnjak) and "Siya Evine." The program also includes pop standards, old and new; John Lennon's "Imagine," Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit" and the Drifter's hit "Save The Last Dance For Me" all benefit from violinist Lasse Høj Jacobsen's pizzicato accompaniment (along with Jefsen's son Oskar Hougaard Jefsen's vocals, another repeat guest from Sigh). The George Gershwin song "Soon" is rhythmically propelled by drummer Morten Lund (also returning from Sigh).

While parts of this album were recorded over a long time period, the final mixing and completion occurred during the Covid-19 crisis in March and October 2020.