SHIMMER features an exciting selection of jazz-treated pop tunes, jazz standards and originals. It glows with a contemporary feel and features the cream of the Australian Jazz scene. The whole album swings and includes more than a hint of “Latin tinge”.
Contemporary tunes, American songbook, jazz standards and three compelling originals adorn Jensen’s fourth album. The opener, an original ‘Spend a Little Time with Me’ reminds us of how Patricia Barber crafts and delivers a dynamic, storytelling lyric. An impeccable choice of material and musicians including James Muller, Matt McMahon & Graham Jesse complement Jensen’s versatility as a subtle vocal stylist. She un-tethers her sidemen on Stevie Wonder’s ‘Higher Ground’ while rising to the occasion herself on Toots Thieleman’s challenging ‘Bluesette’. Jensen’s conviction on Mose Allison’s blues protest ‘Everybody’s Crying Mercy’ is matched by her funk on Sting’s ‘If You Love Somebody’.