Ingrid Jensen’s Landings, another winner in the Newvelle 10 Anniversary collection…
Ingrid Jensen – Landings – Newvelle Records #NV037 – 180 gm audiophile vinyl – 2025 – ****1/2
(Ingrid Jensen – trumpet; Gary Versace – organ and piano – Marvin Sewell – guitars; Jon Wikan – drums; George Coleman – tenor sax (Side A #1)
For the second in the Newvelle Records tenth anniversary collection of five 180 gm vinyls, the label is presenting noted jazz trumpeter, Ingrid Jensen on Landings, with a quartet, on eight tracks. Ingrid is backed by organist, Gary Versace; guitarist, Marvin Sewell; and drummer, Jon Wikan, (Ingrid’s husband).
The mastering by Matthew Lutthans, and pressing on gorgeous clear vinyl, is of course, first rate, as Newvelle is noted for exquisite acoustics, and album packaging with over-sized coffee table quality album artwork (for this series, they are using Ragnar Kjartansson, with gallery art paintings).
The tracklist consists of five band originals, as well as three covers. Covering multi-genre influences, there is a polish, and a heavy swing throughout, with Jensen’s burnished trumpet tone, blended with Gary Versace’s soulful organ, and Marvin Sewell’s guitar prowess. Jon Wikan is rock solid on drums, steady, and always in the pocket.
Whether it be funk, modal, hard bop, or fusion, the interplay between the quartet is locked in, especially the communication between Ingrid and Gary.
Special guest, tenor saxist, George Coleman, still vital at age 91, opens the session with his “Amsterdam After Dark.” It’s classic hard bop, spiced up with Versace, on what appears to be a Hammond organ. It would be at home on a golden age Blue Note or Prestige date.
Ingrid’s “New Body” is moody and melancholic, with rubato guitar, and Jensen’s muscular trumpet playing has the power of a Woody Shaw, and the emotional impact of Miles Davis during his pre-electric period. Carla Bley’s “Ida Lupino” has a Latin vibe, and Marvin Sewell’s classical style guitar is featured, as well as the trumpet and organ sharing time. Also Versace’s swirling organ accents add to the mix. Next is Ingrid’s “Handmaiden’s Tale” a duet with Versace, now on piano.
The title track opens Side 2. It’s a post bop blend with fusion, and a heavy electric feel. The quartet blends seamlessly. Marvin Sewell’s “The Workers Dance,” is done in waltz time, and Marvin is taking lead, and the group’s layered mix is simply beautiful.
Versace’s “Many Homes, Many Places” has a heavy dose of funk, and Ingrid and Gary trade lead. “Home,” written by Jim Knapp, is languid, with some “grease” supplied by Versace. It would be right at home in a detective noir soundtrack.
From start to finish, this is a great album, with top notch sound. It has a contagious joy that translates to a deeply satisfying listening session. Highly recommended!
—Review by Jeff Krow
Ingrid Jensen – Landings
Trackist:
Side 1: Amsterdam After Dark, New Body, Ida Lupino, Handmaiden’s Tale
Side 2: Landings, The Workers Dance, Many Homes Many Places, Home
