Is As Is

Music for me, like for other musicians, is (among other things) amediumfor processing experience and emotion in a way that can be both cathartic and therapeutic. Sometimes it is opaque to us what we’re going through or what we’re feeling, andmusic can help us navigate and understand. In the moment, and at a distance—when we listen backwe realize, in away that is deeper than words, what a certain time or period was about.

Sometimes it is very clear and transparent to us, and we just need a medium that is more forceful and direct than language. The compositions on this album reflect a transitional period of my life, but also a period of finding myself musically. They express my emotions going through a challenging period ofmy life, and as such forma cohesive story of dealing with and moving through anxiety, chaos and frustration, but also beauty, hope and humor. I am very grateful to have had the wonderful musicianship of Steven, Jacob and David helping mebring my ideas and visions into being, in such a personal and honest way.

I also want to express my deep gratitude to my family and friends for supporting me. Without these very important people this album would not have been a reality.

—Mathias Højgaard Jensen

Tracklist

Album details

Press reviews

"Bassist Mathias Hojgaard Jensen leads a quartet with David Mirarchi/as, Jacob Sacks/p and Steven Crammer/dr through nine subtle originals. Jensen’s bass gives rich intros to pieces such as the sighing “Sleeping Silver” featuring Mirarchi’s alto, the agonizing “Ajklaert” teamed with Crammer’s brushes an dthe melancholich “Is As Is”. Sacks’ piano gets Monkish on the angular “Hill” and lurks in the dark on “Kastle”. Long shadows."

—George W. Harris (September 19, 2024)
https://www.jazzweekly.com/