Watch: The Jensen/Monder Project

The collaborative Jensen/Monder Project is a musical family affair. Not only does the group feature sisters Ingrid and Christine Jensen (on trumpet and saxophone respectively), but also other long-running—dare I say familiar—musical relationships. Both Ingrid and guitarist Ben Monder are longtime members of the Maria Schneider Orchestra, while the rhythm team of Matt Clohesy on bass and Jon Wikan on drums have supported many an Ingrid Jensen solo in Darcy James Argue's Secret Society.Oh, and I almost forgot that Jon and Ingrid collaborate in a familiar manner off the bandstand as well as husband and wife.While Ingrid Jensen and Ben Monder are Gallery regulars, it's a rare treat to have Christine Jensen come down from her home base in Montreal. Christine is acclaimed as both a saxophonist and large ensemble composer, and is fresh off her second JUNO award for contemporary jazz album of the year for her large ensemble record Habitat (Justin Time). Writing on her website, Christine speaks about working with her sister Ingrid:

There’s definitely yin and yang in our approach. We come from different educational backgrounds in our later periods. But we come from the same place, we grew up together, and there’s a spiritual part of the playing that we’re able to connect like no one else can.

United with such close collaborators in the rhythm section as well, the Jensen/Monder Project is sure to take off on exciting flights of fancy—beautiful risks that can only happen in such a tight-knit musical family. To get a taste of the adventure that will occur on Saturday, check out this performance of Christine's composition, Blue Yonder:The Jensen/Monder Projects performs this Saturday, January 10th, 2015, at The Jazz Gallery. The band features Ingrid Jensen on trumpet and electronics, Christine Jensen on saxophones, Ben Monder on guitar, Matt Clohesy on bass, and Jon Wikan on drums. Sets are at 8 and 10 p.m., $22 general admission ($12 for members). Purchase tickets here.