Unlike her debut album “Above, Below And Beyond”, which can be classed as a true solo project , this 1997 follow up  is more of a group project, a power trio to be precise. After the debut Batten's music was always on the radar and hence I bought this on import when it was released originally. Unfortunately Momentum proved to be a bit disappointed as the whacky, crazy, flying by the seat of your pants guitar playing that made such a big impression on the debut was gone. In its place was a more laid back approach  that was more about groove and guitar textures. Sure the musicianship was still awesome but the combined efforts of the three members felt a little bit forced and ultimately the music felt a bit cold and some of the arrangements almost felt like mathematical equations.

After a long time out of print Lion Music have picked up the album for release once more and so if you missed it the first time round you now have the chance to make up your own mind. Unlike her debut album which was very much a rock guitar tour de force “Momentum” saw Batten  finding inspiration in world music leading melodies that you wouldn't always associate with the guitar genre and it does open your ears to new harmonic possibilities. Overall though it was just too big a musical departure for this reviewer, the energy that made the debut album so essential  was almost non-existent and the experimental journey into world music never quiet worked. It’s an album that Jennifer obviously felt was right to make and who am I to say differently, true artists keep trying new ventures and experiment with different formats as it’s the only way they can grow and move forward. ”Momentum” definitely achieved that  but it probably left her rock fans frustrated and puzzled. If you want to discover Jennifer’s playing I would recommend the debut whereas with  “Momentum” it's more a case of approach with caution  but what didn’t work for me may just work for you.

Al Hey