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Michael Blanco: No Time Like The Present

By Edward Blanco
March 29, 2013
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Michael Blanco: No Time Like The Present

A talented in-demand Broadway/jazz bassist, Michael Blanco's No Time Like The Present announces his second album as leader presenting a collection of refreshing new jazz originals offered by a dynamic quintet that features veteran saxophonist

John Ellis

saxophone, tenor
b.1974

" data-original-title="" title="">John Ellis and New York guitarist

Jonathan Kreisberg

guitar
b.1972

" data-original-title="" title="">Jonathan Kreisberg among the cast. The two-time recipient of the ASCAP Foundation Young Jazz Composer Award, designs a sparkling session of riveting modern-style jazz not to be missed. Though it's Blanco's compositional skills that carry the date on this outing, the bassist's strong performance throughout is not to be dismissed as his solo performance on "Postcard (for solo bass)" so aptly demonstrates.

Overlooking the intimidating title ("Dutch Kills") of the opening track, the music reveals an elegant light texture marked by glowing solo statements from members of the band. The title piece is fast-paced and up-tempo featuring Ellis and Kreisberg trading salvos in the first burner of the disc. "You Really Shouldn't" follows in much the same vein this time featuring pianist

David Cook

piano

" data-original-title="" title="">David Cook and drummer

Mark Ferber

drums

" data-original-title="" title="">Mark Ferber providing the energy. Propelled by torrid tenor solos and strong guitar riffs, the fire seems to burn brightest on the hard-driving "RSVP," one of the bassist's finest compositions. Another outstanding score is the spacious "Smithlike" featuring a superb bass solo from the leader and highlighting the saxophonist on the soprano.

All is not hot and steamy however, as warm-toned solos from both guitarist and bassist bolster the light and beautiful "Midnight," one of several mid-tempo, even mellow mood pieces on the album. The enchanting "Emily's Wedding" is a perfect example of some more tasteful light jazz perfect for a relaxing setting. Perhaps as a tip of the hat to saxophonist Ellis, the closing number, appropriately titled "Ellis Island" serves as the swan song for the reed man but also includes dynamic solos from the guitarist as well as the leader.

Michael Blanco is certainly one of the young guns in the jazz scene today and with No Time Like the Present brings the background bass to the front line of jazz. Comparisons to some of the finest jazz bassist in modern jazz such as

Christian McBride

bass
b.1972

" data-original-title="" title="">Christian McBride,

John Patitucci

bass
b.1959

" data-original-title="" title="">John Patitucci,

Gary Peacock

bass, acoustic
1935 - 2020

" data-original-title="" title="">Gary Peacock and

Charlie Haden

bass, acoustic
1937 - 2014

" data-original-title="" title="">Charlie Haden to name a few, are inevitable. His approach and clever charts can only serve to elevate his music and cement his reputation as an excellent composer and a bassist of note.

Learn more about our star rating system

Track Listing

Dutch Kills; No Time Like The Present; You Really Shouldn't; Midnight; RSVP; Smithlike; Emily's Wedding; Postcard (for solo bass); Ellis Island.

Personnel

Michael Blanco

Michael Blanco: bass; John Ellis: tenor saxophone, soprano saxophone; Jonathan Kreisberg: guitar; David Cook: piano; Mark Ferber: drums.

Album information

Title: No Time Like The Present | Year Released: 2013 | Record Label: Nineteen-Eight Records

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