May 2000

John Jensen
Homecoming
Ticee

By Owen Cordle

Jensen, retired lead trombonist with the U.S. Navy Commodores, has chops to burn, but he also has good taste and great feeling for the music. This is a boppish session with bassist Steve Gilmore (swinging and superb) and pianist Hod O'Brien (ditto). Drummer Brooks Tegler, percussionist Seguito Turner and guitarist Steve Abshire, the album's producer, also appear. The tunes are standards and a blues. Jensen's fluid slide work and easy-going phrasing always swing. This album takes you to the essence of jazz and never deviates from the truth.