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."
~ Ken Dryden, All Music Guide

Track listing:
01. I've Got a Date With a Dream
02. All I Want
03. Egyptian Moonlight
04. Blur
05. At Last
06. Take Five
07. Mystery Man
08. Giving You the Best That I've Got
09. Off the Beat
10. Gone Before We Know
11. Crashed