Rise
MGM, 2025
8/10
This 5th studio album from the jazz vocalist Bonnie J Jensen brings us plenty of diversity as she interprets the works of Corea, Handcock and Sting, among others.
The warm spirit of “People Make The Word Go Round” opens with Jensen’s expressive pipes, Graham Jesse’s rich tenor sax and Brett Hirst’s cozy bass making an impression, and “Reminiscing” follows with Nicholas McBride’s playful drumming and Matt McMahon’s radiant keys complementing the soaring pipes.
Halfway through, “Cantaloupe Island” makes great use of the Big Band presence via the bright horns and especially Simon Ferenci’s soulful trumpet, while “Spain” places Jesse on flute amid Jensen’s intimate singing for the dreamy climate.
Near the end, “Spend A Little Time With Me” benefits much from Ray Cassar’s animated trumpet in a timeless Big Band environment, and “Don’t Let Me Be Lonely Tonight” exits with a romantic landscape thanks to Geoff Hughes’ heartfelt guitar and the mature piano that align with Jensen’s emotive presence.
An effort with a nice balance of balladry and swingin’ fun, Jensen’s storytelling is sincere and the 2 originals blend in well with the timeless covers of timeless vocal jazz that touches on Latin, soul and pop ideas.
Travels well with: Kathy Sanborn- Romantic Language; Deborah Silver- Basie Rocks!