Earthrise: A Motion Picture In Sound

Market Square MCMCD207 (CD/LP) cake
Michael J. Bolton (b, syn, g, p), Mike Walker (g), Neil Yates (t, flhn), David Hentschel (ky), Matthew Johns (p, syn), Marc Russo, Tim Garland (ss), Alex Smith (d) and Noelle Rollings (v). Rec. date not stated.

The Apollo space missions made a big impact on the childhood of British bassist/composer Michael J. Bolton (no relation to the US ‘How Am I Supposed To Live Without You’ singer of nearly identical name). So, all grown up, he set about creating a musical suite capturing the ambition and wonder of that ‘great leap for mankind’ and the result is Earthrise, which has been released to coincide with the 5Oth anniversary of the 1969 moon landing. It’s obviously been quite a journey for Bolton, who began writing and rehearsing the music towards the end of 2015. Stylistically, it travels between fusion, funk and even prog rock, with some great contributions from the likes of guitarist Mike Walker, as well as former Yellowjacket Marc Russo and Tim Garland on saxophone. Things become suitably spacy and ethereal on the title-track before it all gets lunar groovy again on ‘The Eagle’ Space is certainly Bolton’s place.

Robert Shore

I believe in good time, good sound, and locking in with the drummer, as well as listening to the whole song and figuring out how the bass part fits in and enhances the music. Developing the ear is so important, and learning to read will give you skills you’ll draw on without thinking about it. Be consistent, work out the core of apart – and stick with it.
www.michaeljbolton.co.uk