Jazz trumpeter Jensen thrills Marsh crowd

Jensen was supported by the other two members of her trio, bassist Fraser Hollis and drummer John Wikan. In addition to this formidable unit, the group featured two very special guests, Professor of Music Dana Gooley (piano) and Director of Jazz Studies Bruce Diehl (alto and tenor sax). Hailing from a small town north of Vancouver, Canada, Jensen first became interested in jazz when she heard her mother playing stride and ragtime piano. She proceeded to pursue her jazz studies at Berklee Colleg

Branford Marsalis: back and better than ever

Yes, the Branford Marsalis Quartet, one of the foremost groups in jazz now, is still in fine form. However, one significant development deserves mention: the creation of Branford’s own Marsalis Music label. In a time when many of the major labels are dropping their jazz artists, the formation of Branford’s indie jazz label stands out as a major event in the jazz world. Branford’s brother Wynton, who is arguably the most well-known living jazz musician, was recently dropped from the Columbia Reco

Pat Metheny Group returns with zest

During the concert, Metheny remarked that it’s been 25 years since the group recorded their first album, “Watercolors.” Their latest album, “Speaking of Now,” just recently released on Warner Bros., continues to showcase the band’s unique, electronic conception of jazz. Two years ago, I saw Metheny perform at the Calvin with bassist Larry Grenadier and drummer Bill Stewart, in what was a superb trio concert with great soloing and cohesiveness. This performance with the larger, more orchestrated