CODE Quartet’s approach integrates original compositions and members’ improvisational reactions to the written material. The quartet draws on composers from Fletcher Henderson to Paul Bley, Charlie Haden, and Ornette Coleman and beyond.

The compositions are inspired by visual art, poetry, the environment, politics, and social movements. For instance, the swirling dark feeling in Jensen’s “Day Moon” suggests the rising sea levels caused by global warming, while French’s compositions are inspired by visual art.