In The Morning

Personnel: Rich Perry- tenor saxophone Aaron Goldberg- piano Alan Ferber - trombone Bill Campbell -drums Rob Wilkerson - alto saxophone (tracks 3,8) Michael Blanco - bass/compositions Michael Blanco is an imaginative bandleader, an emerging composer and a damn fine bassist. -- Fred Hersch 'A composer of remarkable promise.' --Mark Keresman, Primetime A&E Magazine 'This outstanding release certainly doesn't sound like a debut album. Blanco, a repeat winner of the ASCAP Young Composer Award and a solid bassist to boot, has combined a dynamite sextet and 10 impressive modern-cool tunes for utterly winning results. The compositions share a dusky, imploring quality, with catchy, insistent hooks and compelling harmonies--several, such as the haunting 'Point Of View' make the group sound like a miniature big band. It's a remarkable introduction that leaves one eager to hear more.' --Jazz Times 'Transplanted San Diego native Michael Blanco, now a New York-based bassist, places himself among the top jazz bassists and composers with his new album. Polished, confident, imaginative, 'In the Morning' is a mature album of straight-ahead jazz...

It's a promising debut, and ought to put Blanco on most jazz fans' listening lists.' --Jim Trageser, North County Times/The Californian 'Bassist/Composer, Michael Blanco is one of the new rising individuals who possesses an abundance of musical talent and savvy. In The Morning, his new recording, is a perfect example of excellent world-class bass playing combined with a great program of sophisticated original compositions. Bravo Michael!' --Rufus Reid 'Judging from their prolific output, Barcelona-based Fresh Sound Records has a lock on signing and recording young jazz talent as evidenced by the dozens of CD's they release each year for the US and European markets. Worth far more than a passing listen is American bassist Michael Blanco's tight little ensemble recording called In The Morning (Fresh Sound New Talent), one of the strongest, most affable straight-ahead jazz recordings released late last year. What makes Blanco's CD work so well is that he writes tunes that are both memorable and succinct- ten tracks make up the CD's reasonable 53-minute running time. The opening number, 'Within Reach', has the kind of optimistic vibe and friendly melody reminiscent of the best tunes from the Yellowjackets. Nope, there are no electronics, gimmicks or sweetening here; this is good, modern music with roots in the jazz tradition. It's also a testament to Blanco's good taste and training that his compositions treat his players equally, as on the title track, a soulful little groover where each musician's contribution is important but one player doesn't overshadow the other. Other highlights include the hip duet between Blanco and his drummer called 'A Long Way From Home', the scrappy 'One More Time' and the classy 'Moodswings', punctuated by a winning solo from the much-in-demand pianist Aaron Goldberg. In addition to Goldberg, Blanco's regular band includes Rich Perry (tenor saxophone), Rob Wilkerson (alto saxophone), Alan Ferber (trombone) and Bill Campbell (drums). Engineer Michael Brorby favors a warm, naturalistic balance between the musicians that conveys a welcoming sense of space, like you've been invited to hear Blanco and his group in a well-appointed living room.' --Nick Bewsey, Primetime A&E Magazine 'Bassist Michael Blanco seems to be making all the right moves...

He throws himself wholly into harmonic rich and sophisticated style of jazz on In The Morning that is proof that he's absorbed a fair amount of theory in his time, but, as those composition awards prove, he's got a good ear for melody...

Another fine effort from the Fresh Sound label.' -- Tad Hendrickson, Jazz Week 'Blanco dwarfed the double bass with his musical prowess. His expert fingers coasted on the strings to make exciting stops in the most interesting places.' --Jamaica Gleaner (review from Ocho Rios Jazz Festival) Bassist/Composer Michael Blanco is a two-time recipient of