Bonnie J Jensen’s unique artistry shines through her acclaimed albums and reflects a life lived internationally. This singer/songwriter has traveled extensively, performing in Europe, USA (notably New York), and Asia – repeatedly in Japan, where her second album “Blue Joy” reached No. 8 in the Independent Jazz Charts, and was featured in Swing Journal, the magazine for Jazz devotees.
Winning praise and admiration of critics, jazz enthusiasts and even non-jazz audiences, Jensen is celebrated for her agile, nuanced vocal delivery. She blurs genre boundaries, infusing her broad repertoire — from classic and sophisticated jazz standards to reimagined contemporary songs and poetic originals — with warmth and wit.
Jensen has performed at numerous Jazz Festivals and Clubs and is known for assembling stellar ensembles, bringing together uniquely complementary musicians for both recordings and live performances. Her recordings feature titans of the Australian jazz scene including Alister Spence, Matt McMahon, Don Radar, Miroslav Bukovsky, Ray Cassar, James Morrison, Graham Jesse, James Muller, Brett Hirst, Jonathan Zwartz, Phil Stack, and Nicholas McBride.
Selected singles from Jensen’s forthcoming fifth album RISE, have already been released with the full album scheduled for release 1 August 2025.
RISE presents a masterfully curated collection of jazz compositions that span a rich array of styles and influences. Featuring works by legendary composers such as Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, and Michael Franks, the album also highlights two compelling original pieces by Jensen. Three standout tracks—Cantaloupe Island, Reminiscing, and Spend a Little Time with Me—were specially arranged for big band and recorded in that dynamic format. The remaining nine tracks showcase the nuanced interplay of Jensen’s sextet, comprised of some of the most esteemed talents in the Australian jazz landscape.
Internationally acclaimed multi-instrumentalist Dale Barlow wrote this introduction to RISE:
For your listening pleasure, Bonnie J Jensen has cooked up an album of sophistication and elegance showcasing her broad musical tastes and talents, along with a substantial collection of the very finest musicians and arrangers available in this fine city which has such a depth of talent to draw from. The delectable Big Band arrangements peppered with a tasty group of original interpretations of well-known songs are an auditory delight, with all the tracks designed to feature the many gifted soloists on the recording as testament to the deep connectivity and rapport Bonnie has with the music scene [in Australia].
Her sublime golden voice and gentle spirit make this album listenable, any time, any place… a sumptuous banquet of the most delicious treats to be savoured over and over again!
The prolific American music critic David Nathan (AMG, USA) wrote:
“Possessing a voice with excellent range, she distributes emotions tailored to the message she wants each song to convey to the listener, whether the tune be an original or a standard – the mark of a good jazz singer.”
“Australian jazz chanteuse Bonnie J Jensen is one of a covey of new female jazz vocalists bringing a fresh perspective to the jazz culture. She joins the likes of America’s Norah Jones, Britain’s Claire Martin and Sweden’s Linda Pettersson in bringing a soft, sweet, sultry, soulful synapse to the jazz idiom” – Voodoo Child Magazine, USA
“…Her style is nightclub chanteuse, drawing on many influences, sounding sometimes reminiscent of Renee Geyer. At other times, traces of Peggy Lee or Sarah Vaughan emerge… Jensen displays a talent for both musical composition and poetic lyrics: ‘Like a diamond in the river, as precious as African rain, this glimpse of bliss will sustain you – again and again’.” – John McBeath, The Australian
