Brent Jensen w/ Bill Anschell, Jeff Johnson, John Bishop

One More Mile

82493

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MUSIC REVIEW BY Larry Hollis, Cadence, April-June 2008

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I certainly won't attempt to speak for all Cadence readers but when I think of states with a heavy Jazz scene, Idaho is not one of them. Lionel Hampton and the late Gene Harris had healthy associations with the state but having visited, it would not be the place where I would seek out a jam session. "One More Mile" spotlights an Idaho native in saxophonist Brent Jensen who has four previous issues under the Origin logo. He is joined here by three Seattle musicians who have spent considerable time in studios recording various projects for the label. Actually, Jeff Johnson used to gig around my neck of the woods (Oklahoma) and even back then I can vouch for his complete command of the upright bass while traps master John Bishop should be familiar to all those conversant with the Origin family.

Most of the charts here seem to be the inventive work of piano man Bill Anschell who indulges in a peppy duet with the leader on "Alone Together" (which is normally rendered as a ballad). Although Jensen is dexterous on other woodwinds and has mostly recorded on the alto, here he plays solely the soprano saxophone with an ease that doesn't make one think he is doubling. As a matter of fact, in some places, as on the Dizzy staple, his horn almost tricked me into thinking it was a metal clarinet on the head. Often the shrillness of the soprano model puts people off, including yours truly, but not here. "Sweet And Lovely" has almost a samba feel, the guys get to take their shoes off on the free improvisation of "Punt," and Sam Rivers' neglected "Beatrice" gets a warm treatment. Extremely ear-friendly, I wouldn't be surprised if these ambient sounds didn't get some radio airplay. Nice.








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