At Sea Personnel: Ingrid Jensen, Trumpet, Geoffrey Keezer, Piano, Fender Rhodes, Keyboards, Jon Wikan, Drums Matt Clohesy, Acoustic Bass, Hugo Alcaza, Cajon, Batajon, Djembe on track 7.  Tracks: At Sea, Cymbal Storm, Capt'n Jon, As Love Does, Tea and WaterColors, There is No Greater Love, Everything I Love, Swotterings, Kd Lang

 Ingrid Jensen’s newest is a gem, she show’s remarkable musicianship, trumpet playing, skilled compositions with thoughtful, introspective arrangements. I absolutely admire the way she uses the entire ensemble throughout.

The four, sometimes 5 voices are active throughout this disc, whether it be in the forefront or complimenting background voices. This music is the work of a master who has found her voice both compositionally and improvisationally.

Her trumpet playing is absolutely exquisite and so enjoyable to listen to. There’s a positive vibe throughout this disc. (This is one thing I really listen for in a musicians work.)

I really dig her choice of accompanying musicians as well. They are in sync with the conceptual affect of the music. Geoffrey Keezer just plays some remarkable lines (reminiscent of Dave Kikoski), but adds very interesting phrases, and listens so well within the ensemble. Check out Keezer on Jensen’s track As Love Does, and his comping behind Ingrid on Swotterings, which leads to some great counterpoint between his right and left hand! Man, it’s so happening, hip and penetrating!! The same can be said for Jon Wikan on drums. What stands out is his huge ears--listening and contributing just the perfect fills, raising and lowering the energy levels of the ensemble at the perfect moment in time, must make him a joy to play with! Lage Lund joins Ingrid on Tea and Watercolors and Swotterings, he plays with nice blend and adds excellent counterpoint to Ingrid on Swotterings!

But this disc is about the maturity of Ingrid’s music. I cannot say enough about the intellect and thoughtfulness the music brings through listening. What I enjoy the most is her reliance on melodic presentation. There’s a modal quality to this disc throughout, with awesome bass parts countering melody it seems at all times. Matt Clohesy plays with beautiful sound and creative mastery, and counters Ingrid so nicely. So much modal music today is dark, and honestly loses me within 5 minutes of performance. This music sparkles in her ability to translate beautiful melodies with sophisticated harmonic phrases! 

 My favorite cut on this disc is her original As Love Does, but her other originals are fun as well. I just loved the dynamic interplay of the ensemble and the interesting contrasts throughout. With that said, her renditions of standard classics Easy To Love and There’s No Greater Love, show originality and perspective to what can be done with these standards. They involve a voice and a concept that will always be associated with her voice!! 

This is such a creative and musical project! I urge the serious patrons to go and see this great artist “Live”! And please, support her work and visit: www.ingridjensen.com and purchase some of the most artistic music on the jazz market today.