For his fifth
Origin
release,
Brent Jensen
includes some of the main
stable stars as members of his quartet, which shows off some impressive sensitivity to the music, with both classic pieces and new compositions from the bandmembers.
Jensen
continues his trademark relaxed sound on the soprano sax, pulling just the right notes out where he wants them. Drummer
John Bishop
largely stays in the background, but can come forward as called for by the tune (an excellent solo in the improvisational
"Punt"
shows this off, as well as an outstanding bass solo from
Jeff Johnson
). Pianist
Bill Anschell
becomes one of the stars here early, both from his own exceptional playing and his arrangements of a few classics. Aside from
's Idaho heritage, this is Seattle jazz at its best -- there's some delicacy with the classic compositions and some contemporary stylings based around the key instruments, without the showiness of the New York scene or the overly lush arrangements of the Bay Area. Exceptional music all around. ~ Adam Greenberg