BONNIE J JENSEN, Rise

A sultry, multi-genre talent whose sense of invention knows few bounds and gleefully hops barriers between pop, jazz, Latin and soul, Australian songstress, premier, vocal interpreter and songwriter Bonnie J Jensen has a curious discography. After gracing the world with four acclaimed album in the 2000s, she stayed silent on the recording front for nearly 15 years – then unleashed an incredible, wildly eclectic flurry of eight lead singles leading up to her grand comeback album with the resurrection-appropriate title Rise.

A premier showcase for Jensen’s effortless soulful delivery, colorful phrasing and equal aplomb for hushed intimacy and lively swing, the collection featuring two compelling originals and hip and stylish, artfully arranged re-imaginings of classics by everyone from Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock and Sting to Little River Band, James Taylor, Michael Franks and The Stylistics. On the strictly jazz side, the highlights are an expansive, mood swinging 7-minute romp through Corea’s “Spain,” highlighted by her peppy, whimsical duet with flutist/multi-instrumentalist Graham Jesse on the percussive passages; and a dreamy swirl through Hancock’s “Butterfly,” which eases  effortlessly from punchy to soothing, with ample time for snazzy solo improvisations by Jesse (on alto flute) and pianist Matt McMahon.

On the pop/soul side, Jensen turns familiar tunes like “People Make the World Go Round,” “Reminiscing” and “Don’t Let Me Be Lonely Tonight” into fresh social and romantic revelations while also tackling the intoxicating Sting deep cut “La Belle Dame Sans Regrets” to share her facility for French language singing. In addition to her stirring and seductive original “Hughes’ Blues,” the album’s greatest strength is the cool yet empowering way she brings lesser known gems like the Nancy Wilson chestnut “The Great City” and Nitin Sawhney’s “Immigrant” to brilliant life, sharing timeless messages that resonate even more now.