Jeff Denson - Secret World (2012)

Colors, structures and pictures that touch him emotionally: these are the initial sparks that inspire Jeff Denson when he composes new pieces. They form groups around him and consolidate into an imaginary "Secret World". Sound for sound and harmony for harmony, his pieces are created from this imaginary point. At the end, there is a work that entices the listener to enter into Denson's world. The listener encounters the inspirations there, which once triggered the compositions: a waterfall here, a sunset with all of its bright, shimmering colors, autumn leaves there, and forests covered in mist. Of necessity, an unadorned groove or a simple melody line does not suffice to go along with that, and the restriction to one style or genre is doomed to failure. As a result, the mosaic of the "Secret World" is composed of the colorful pieces that jazz and contemporary classical music, R&B and Blues, pop music and old chamber music supply. This is touching, powerful music, which develops a magnetic attraction. Jeff Denson is nothing less than a complete musician. His diplomas in Berklee, Florida and San Diego – each time with distinction – as well as his numerous prizes have made him into one of the bassists in the current scene most in demand over the past decade. However, his qualities as composer in various styles have also resulted in composition jobs, from pieces for solo bass all the way to chamber opera. But above all his concerts and recordings have made him known internationally: as bassist and co-leader in "Minsarah" as well as in the "Lee Konitz New Quartet", with whom he is currently on a world tour. His solo performances or duos with the Swiss Claudio Puntin also call attention to him. His debut as leader at "Between the Lines" contains yet another surprise: Jeff Denson has a variable and expressive voice! There is another joyful reunion at "Between the Lines´" with Ralph Alessi, who also had his international debut there. His lyrical playing with a powerful sound has been noticed by many in the meantime, and his is one of the most important trumpet players in jazz today. He fits into Jeff Denson's world like a piece in a puzzle – a really perfectly matched musician for this project! On the other hand, the man on the piano is not surprising. Florian Weber is almost Denson's twin in music, since Jeff Denson has shared leadership of the Minsarah ensemble with him for more than 10 years. They also play alongside each other in the Lee Konitz New Quartet. The bubbly, always attentive and extremely sensitive playing of the pianist trained at Berklee also provides a solid foundation for the daring music structures in Jeff Denson's new band. The fact that Dan Weiss was selected as drummer is not at all a surprise either. He is one of the most versatile drummers today and can be heard on numerous recordings and at concerts alongside of musicians from Vijay Iyer and Rudresh Mahanthappa to Uri Caine and Ravi Coltrane. All of these musicians appreciate him not only due to his virtuosity, but also thanks to his extraordinary fine sense of listening and his ability to play the most refined nuances subtly.

Tracklist:
01. Jeff Denson - Rise (6:46)
02. Jeff Denson - Autumn Song (7:53)
03. Jeff Denson - Not Another Moment´s Thought (6:29)
04. Jeff Denson - Where the Water Moves (6:49)
05. Jeff Denson - Merry-Go-Round (3:59)
06. Jeff Denson - Longing (8:06)
07. Jeff Denson - Setting Sun (7:36)
08. Jeff Denson - Dusk (5:02)
09. Jeff Denson - Nightfall (7:13)
10. Jeff Denson - Dance of a Bittersweet Victory (5:42)