By Richard Kamin in ‘StepTempest’

“Who’s Your Mama” opens this recording, with the trumpet of Ingrid Jensen intoning the the notes to NPR’s “Morning Edition” before the band takes the piece on a romp. It’s a fitting and joyful beginning to the program, pianist/composer/vocalist Borthwick’s second release as a leader. She’s a fine player, displaying a style that has its roots in mainstream jazz. Her solos are often lyrical (listen to the beauty and strength of the title track) and she can really dig into her phrases. Her wordless vocals add yet another color to several of the tracks, mixing well with the guitar and trumpet or flugelhorn. One hears the influences of Pat Metheny and McCoy Tyner in many of these pieces (and Herbie Hancock in several of the solos.) Her compositions are smartly constructed, with the rhythm section of Johannes Weidenmueller (bass) and Adam Cruz (drums) really pushing the pieces along.

Producer/guitarist/husband Noel Borthwick allows the music to breathe (the mix is clear, not cluttered), adding his crisply played guitar lines to many of the 10 tracks (I especially like his acoustic rhythm work at the outset of “Rio Alegre”, the CD’s final track.) Ms. Jensen’s work is pleasing throughout, whether she’s swinging like mad (as she does on the afore-mentioned opening cut) or creating low guttural tones at the onset of “Gaia” – her solo later in the performance glides effortlessly over the sparkling rhythm section. “Eight Winds” opens with harp-like phrases and soon drops into a medium tempo swinger with a long, lilting, piano solo followed by a wonderful muted trumpet spot.

At over 70 minutes, “One of Us” is a bit too long (but, what to leave out?) yet still has much to recommend it . Ms. Borthwick’s solo work, the active, responsive and sharp rhythm section and Ms. Jensen’s contributions all add up to a good listening experience. To find out more, go to www.ramonaborthwick.com.