Michael BublÇ's name appears in only one of the track credits on his latest CD, It's Time.
Such a discovery makes it easier to understand why BublÇ seems to have a less-than-enthusiastic approach to his singing, which sadly is the best part of the record.
The standard of undeniably good music requires each musician to sound focused and passionate with or without the rest of the band, creating a beat or a melody that can stand alone and intrigue listeners.
BublÇ and his band achieve nothing close to this standard.
The band is not that bad.
It's just not that good.
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Almost any random drummer or piano player would have no trouble playing what BublÇ's band plays, and they might even be able to add something that is obviously
absent from this record - personal style.
The musicians take no chances and make no recognizable attempt to deviate from the expected flow of preconceived jazz.
The result is a record that sounds like something even BublÇ and his band were not excited about.
Every song sounds strikingly similar with inhibited percussion typical of the mellow jazz style and brass interjections at predictable moments throughout a song. Yet these sudden bursts of trombone and trumpet are sometimes the only thing that makes a track stand
out from the others.
BublÇ can sing. His voice has a formulated jazz tone reminiscent of Ella Fitzgerald or Tony Bennett.
But he could take a tip from Jack White and put variety and emotion into his voice.
BublÇ's voice, in keeping with the rest of the record, feels inhibited and afraid to cross genre boundaries.
There is nothing on It's Time that is out of the ordinary and certainly nothing one couldn't find done with more style in at least 10 other pop or jazz records anywhere.
The obvious lack of personal creativity can be blamed on the fact that BublÇ is singing lyrics he didn't write in a style that reached its peak with Frank Sinatra. But there is no excuse for forcing other renowned, talented musicians to be thrown into the mess.
A large chunk of this record is dedicated to covers, everything from Stevie Wonder to the Beatles. "Can't Buy Me Love" is a great song written by one of the best bands of all time. BublÇ and his band get their hands on it and morph it into an uninspired rendition with all the creativity and energy sucked out, much like the rest of the other cover tracks.
Seven out of 13 tracks are covers, and even after having their character and talent extracted in favor of predictability and tepid creativity, they are still the most enjoyable to listen to because at least you can sing along.
It's Time
Michael BublÇ
Grade: D+
