Bassist Bren Plummer’s live radio broadcast a couple of days ago (scroll down two items) prompted me to check out the KNKX-FM website. There, I found a post about another Pacific Northwest jazz luminary, alto saxophonist Brent Jensen, who was recently video-recorded in one of the station’s live sessions. (Jensen and bassist Jeff Johnson are pictured left.) KNKX host Abe Beeson put together an entry that includes four pieces by Jensen and his quartet with Johnson, guitarist Jamie Findlay and drummer Steve Tate. Here they are with Desmond’s composition “Embarcadero.”
To see and hear all of the music and read Beeson’s comments, click here.
Fifteen years ago, Jensen made his first recording bowing in Paul Desmond’s direction. But as Abe Beeson points out and as I emphasized in my notes for that album, Jensen is no imitator. His talent has a wide range.
Finally, in case you were wondering, my biography of Desmond is available as an ebook. The hardcover copies sold out long ago, although a web search may still find one at a less than usurious price.
Have a good weekend.
Still play Brent’s ‘Sound of a Dry Martini’ Desmond Tribute CD often. Quite a talented musician.
I remember buying “The Sound Of A Dry Martini” on the back of your recommendation. The first time I spun the CD I had that “Holy Cow” feeling that you outlined so well in the CD liner notes. This was as close to the sound of Paul Desmond as I had ever heard.
15 years on and listening to this session I still get that same feeling.
What a brilliant alto player; he deserves far greater recognition.