Higher Grounds by Ingrid Jensen

07 Jun

Written by Lee Prosser
font size decrease font size increase font size
Print
Email

At last: a young trumpet player who takes on the legacy of the late, great Woody Shaw! She's not one of those "re-boppers," in the words of Steve Lacy, content to regurgitate some past Glory Era. Like Shaw, Jensen is mindful of the tradition in that she swings, plays real pretty AND with fire, but realizes that you don't live up to "the tradition" by playing it safe. There are nods to the electric Miles Davis sound of the late 60s , but in a post-bop rather than a "fusion" context, as in the exquisite "Litha" and a brilliant, surprising "I Fall In Love Too Easily". Traditionally beautiful ballad playing - but free of facile licks and cliché - is represented by the luxuriously spacious "Touch Her Soft Lips and Part." (Great bass plucking from Howard here.) This group also realizes what's left out is as important as what's included. Everyone is at the top of their game here, especially Gary Thomas, who achieves a balance of intensity, restraint & focus. Higher Grounds is great stuff. Here's hoping she stretches the boundaries even more next time out.

Additional Info

Artist / Group Name: Ingrid Jensen
CD Title: Higher Grounds
Year Released: 1998
Record Label: Enja
Musicians: Jensen, tpt, flugelhorn; Gary Thomas, tenor sax, flute; David Kikoski, p, elec. P; Ed Howard, b; Victor Lewis, d.
Label Website: -
Rating: Five Stars