In today's male dominated world of jazz saxophonists, Tineke Postma makes a clear statement of her presence in A Journey That Matters, her third recording as a leader.

With a sound that fits comfortably between contemporary and modern post-bop with equal amounts of melody and improvisation, the Holland-based musician has a earthy and lyrically attuned voice, fine compositional skills, and confidently leads a very talented ensemble.

Recorded at the renowned Wisseloord Studios in Holland, the mix of originals and three standards capture the optimism and modernist-bend of Postma's playing without the overindulgence of chops like many players. She simply does it with style and substance.

The first two pieces "Bar Celta and "Short Conversations are seductively mellow, building in intensity, with soulful overtones as Postma plays soprano sax with a hummingbird like quality—darting, flitting, and soaring at will. Better-known for her alto sax work, she is superb on "Traveling Circus, with its warm personality and funky cadence.

Postma gets by with a little help from her friends and band mates, including the dynamic Terri Lyne Carrington, who should be considered one of today's foremost drummers. The rhythm section of bassist Frans van der Hoeven and Carrington, with her colorful trap-setting, is exceptional, giving the lead players a firm foundation and the freedom to explore. This is evident on the fast-paced title track and ballads like the lovely "Magic Two, where Frans van der Hoeven's powerful bass solo is heightened by Carrington's whispered brushes.

There are also some surprises. Postma debuts on tenor sax, showing muscularity with feeling on the swinging "Synchronicity, as pianist Ron Van Bavel and Carrington heat things up. Her large ensemble interpretations, including a fresh version Duke Ellington's "Fleurette Africaine, are enlightening, with detailed touches of additional reeds, French horn, flute, and acoustic guitar. All of which create a lasting impression on what should be a breakthrough recording for Tineke Postma.By Mark F. Turner