Michael Blanco - No Time Like the Present (2013) FLAC

Bassist Michael Blanco understands the meaning of originality - tastefully rolling out your creative vision while keeping the customer satisfied. On No Time Like the Present (Nineteen-Eight), all nine tracks are by Blanco - a high-risk move, since originals by definition are foreign to the ear and often drag on. But Blanco has a skilled writing touch - he twice has received the ASCAP Foundation Young Jazz Composer Award. He also has assembled a terrific ensemble for this CD. Saxophonist John Ellis and guitarist Jonathan Kreisberg are the front line. Joining Blanco in the rhythm section are David Cook on piano and Mark Ferber on drums. Blanco's playing is strong, and his solos are solid and never overstay their welcome. And the sound of Ellis and Kreisberg together is gorgeous. A beautiful album with compositional depth and technical maturity.

-- Marc Meyers