When McGill graduate Christine Jensen’s compositions on her sister Ingrid’s record Vernal Fields won the Best Mainstream Jazz Juno in 1995, it was clear that Christine was not satisfied to sit second chair to her world-recognized sister. Treelines is Christine’s first record with Canadian über-label Justin Time, after three releases on the primarily Quebec-based Effendi. Straddling a fine line of composition and improvisation, this internationally acclaimed band leader and saxophonist explodes with sweeping melody, backed by a crack band of Montréal’s finest, many of which have played with her in quartets and other recordings. Ingrid features prominently here, as does her life-partner, Joel Miller (saxophone). Highlights include Dark and Stormy Blues and the album opener Dancing Sunlight. Treelines is perfect for a lazy Sunday afternoon, that is if you don’t hear it over and over on our national broadcasters’ jazz shows too much. Great effort.

Published in Volume 64, Number 22 of The Uniter (March 11, 2010)