Phil Jensen

If singer, songwriter and guitarist Phil Jensen would have seen his future prior to recording his debut release Point the Way, he wouldn't have believed it. What was then inconceivable, while in the throes of personal changes, is now an ear-pleasing reality for the Canadian-born-and-bred artist – and for the fans he wins whenever he performs.

Adept and appealing in a range of styles, Jensen blends genres for an intriguing mix that he describes as "a little rock, a little jazz, a little country and a little blues. It's eclectic, though there's a common feel to my songwriting style, but I cross boundaries, so my songwriting isn't just any one thing." Respectful comparisons have been made between Jensen and Lyle Lovett, and Jensen admits, "He was very much a strong influence on my writing. It's a combination of him, Del Amitri, Steely Dan and James Taylor."

Jensen chose wisely. Point the Way was straight from the heart of a clearly gifted songwriter who knows a thing or three about captivating melodies and poignant turns of phrase. The title track, "Point the Way," with its catchy, up-tempo flair and romantic lyrics, was the first single to impact adult contemporary radio and reached #13 on the FMQB Adult Contemporary chart in July of 2002. The follow-up, also a perfect AC fit, is the gorgeous ballad "By My Side," which was co-produced by renowned jazz saxophonist and AC and light jazz chart topper Warren Hill for major market distribution.

But Hill, who also lays down some agile sax work on the song, isn't the only heavy hitter who rallied to Point the Way. Radio promotions guru Tom Mazzetta, who has wielded considerable airwave clout for three decades on behalf of Rascal Flatts, Manheim Steamroller, Shania Twain, Garth Brooks, Barry Manilow, Paul McCartney, Robert Palmer and many others, is the compass for Jensen’s music.

"His experience and background have opened many doors for me," Jensen states reverently. "It's very significant to have met him." Significant, indeed. A guy of Mazzetta's caliber doesn't work with just anybody – especially a new artist – unless he's relatively certain they're going to fly. "And that's what he tells me -- he wouldn't work with me if he didn't think he could make it happen," Jensen laughs modestly. "He's sticking his reputation on the line with me."

Former Firefall guitarist Steve Manshel, produced Point the Way, contributed backing vocals and all manner of guitar styles, from high string to guitjo. Another Firefall alum, Mark Oblinger, along with Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Richie Furay, of Poco and Buffalo Springfield fame, lent their voices, as well. All are Denver area residents with whom Manshel has worked. Richie Furay plays a significant part on the CD. I was a big Poco fan, so it was a real treat for me to have Richie participate on the album. He had just flown in from New York and said he'd be able to come into the studio for a couple of hours. We thought we might get one or two songs out of him, but he wound up having so much fun and enjoying the project so much that he stayed for the rest of the day and sang background vocals on five songs."

Jensen’s second CD is due to be released in the spring of 2008 and he is co-producing this one along with Grammy Award winning engineer, Clark Hagan. Clark was Chet Atkins producer for several albums and won a Grammy for engineering with Chet. This new project features some of the best musicians in Denver and some of the members from the Phil Jensen Band. The CD also features Phil in a much stronger role instrumentally on guitar and mandolin. Another twist to the new CD is the original Christmas song “Oh Silent Night” which is being released early for radio and on iTunes for the Christmas music season. Phil considers this CD a collection of some of his best songwriting and is very excited about the release.

So how does a relatively low-profile musician get relatively high-profile promoters, artists and producers to work with him? In Jensen's case, it was being in the right place at the right time, paying attention, and having the guts to ask.  It's precisely this sort of fortuity that has guided this project from the start, and though Jensen couldn't imagine the gratifying outcome when he made the commitment to touch lives through music, he's never looked back.