Jeff Jensen

Morose Elephant
Self Produced

In another recent review that I wrote I mentioned that there must be something in the air in Memphis that brings out the best in soul in every musician that decides to call the city home. There is no question with the opening track, “Make It Through,” on Jeff Jensen’s latest disc, Morose Elephant, that he has found a bit of that soul. The number is a groover with crisp guitar lines and flavorful Wurlitzer care of Victor Wainwright, and it just drips pure Memphis.

Morose Elephant was recorded at the famed Ardent Studios in Memphis and Jensen brings back pals bassist Bill Ruffino and drummers Robinson Bridgeforth and James Cunningham to provide that superlative rhythm that helps his music move in all the right paths, while Chris Stephenson handles the keys on most of the tracks. There are plenty of guest artists included, too. Aside from Wainwright appearing on four tracks, you’ll also find vocal goddess Reba Russell, harp blasters Gary Allegretto and Eric Hughes, horn men Kirk Smothers and Marc Franklin, and the effervescent Anne Harris from the Otis Taylor Band on fiddle.

But Memphis is not a soul town alone. Nor is it just a blues town. Jensen takes the very best of his musical schooling and puts them to work here. It is a musical workout that strikes to the heart on every song and expands into a wealth of directions within his music. Jensen continues to develop into a masterful musician and songwriter. There are plenty of highlights on Morose Elephant.

“Going Home” is a traditional song of faith that when placed with the right vocalist can come across as a true testimony. Jensen does this song right. You can feel his passion as he lets us know he’s going home to meet his lord.

The pairing between Jensen and Wainwright really shines through with the latter whiplashing piano rolls that echo to the finest boogie players in history, sharp guitar and trade off vocals on the Memphis Minnie classic “What’s The Matter With The Mill.” Definitely a high point on this album that’s going to have you jumping in excitement.

The song is followed by the somewhat somber Appalachian mood on “Ash And Bone,” a beautiful track that has haunting softness to it that is enhanced by Anne Harris’ fiddle playing and Reba Russell tender vocals.

Jensen may harken back to his original West Coast roots with the instrumental number “Elephant Blue” that has a bit of surf feel to it, while Chris Stephenson provides some monster organ playing and Cunningham and Ruffino dish out a bit of jazzy rhythm. This song takes you on a musical journey, clefting at one sound after another for a uniquely original plateful of guitar goodness.

The “extra track” at the end of the album finds Jensen in an acoustic mode with Gary Allegretto accompanying him on harmonica on “Empty Bottles.” It’s a really nice way to end a superb recording.

Since his days in Southern California and the short time he was in Portland, Jeff Jensen has seen significant growth as a musician living in Memphis. Morose Elephant continues to see the progress and it’s definitely on a fast pace for Jensen, whose live performances match his talent as a songwriter. Another winning disc from Jeff Jensen.

Total Time: 46:49

Make It Through / Get Along / Fall Apart / Going Home / Paper Walls / What’s The Matter With The Mill / Ash And Bone / Elephant Blue / Bad Bad Whiskey / I’ll Always Be In Love With You / Empty Bottles