Malene Mortensen - Date With A Dream (2006) [Hi-Res]

Malene Mortensen emerged on the Danish jazz scene with her 2003 recording debut as a leader for Universal in Europe, following it up with this release for Stunt. With her fresh, engaging vocals and the potential to establish a following in both jazz and pop like Norah Jones, Mortenson isn't really an improviser, but she works with top-notch musicians who create fresh arrangements of standards, while she also proves herself to be a capable composer. Of particular interest are her interpretations of standards, including the sensuous, slowly savored "I've Got a Date with a Dream" (where she's backed by her trio plus strings and a lap steel player) and a heartfelt "At Last" (backed by pianist Kasper Villaume and soprano saxophonist Claus Waidtlow). She soars in Villaume's imaginative post-bop arrangement of "Take Five," displaying her soulful side. Mortenson's originals are more pop-oriented, though still catchy and entertaining, especially her infectious "Off the Beat."

Tracklist:
1 01. Malene Mortensen - I've Got a Date with a Dream (04:29)
1 02. Malene Mortensen - All I Want (03:59)
1 03. Malene Mortensen - Egyptian Moonlight (05:45)
1 04. Malene Mortensen - Blur (05:32)
1 05. Malene Mortensen - At Last (04:12)
1 06. Malene Mortensen - Take Five (05:27)
1 07. Malene Mortensen - Mystery Man (03:51)
1 08. Malene Mortensen - Giving You the Best That I've Got (03:29)
1 09. Malene Mortensen - Off the Beat (03:42)
1 10. Malene Mortensen - Gone Before We Know (03:16)
1 11. Malene Mortensen - Crashed (05:46)