"David and producer/arranger Cliff Colnot are treating us to their third album featuring David’s compositions masterfully rendered by Cliff’s orchestration. The ten compositions, paired with Cliff’s deep understanding of instrumentation, provide an impressive variety of moods, grooves, colors and directions to explore and enjoy.
I know compositional structure is always foremost in David’s mind. Of course, he likes interesting chords, and he's developed a rich harmonic palette to draw from, but he doesn't just throw in a wild chord to dazzle you. Everything fits, and it always makes sense.
David understands the value of simplicity and also knows how to control complexity. He is always searching for something beautiful. Always concerned with both continuity and contrast, David and Cliff consistently find ways to add the right amount of color to melodies and harmonies. I think everyone will enjoy Contender.
- Don Sickler
Musician (trumpet), Music Publisher, Grammy-Winning Producer, Arranger, Educator
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“What a great title for this collection of fantastic compositions and arrangements. I have been to David Bloom’s school on several occasions (another story about how he has persevered), and have listened over the years to his flute work that has always demonstrated a high degree of lyricism.
This collection, with all the tunes composed by David, reflects his penchant for beautiful melodies and rich harmony that fits the melodic content perfectly. When I listen to music that is harmonically rich, I try to separate the melodies and judge them on their own merits. With these intricate arrangements by Cliff Colnot that employ so many varied colors through his choices of horns and voice, the combination of melodic content and harmonic choices is never obtrusive or pretentious. This recording is a great example of sychronicity between composer and arranger….you know there were a lot of smiles in the studio during the sessions!!
My compliments to this definitive Chicago-based project played so skillfully by the musicians and especially to David and Cliff for their high level of musicianship and great taste.”
- Dave Liebman
NEA Jazz Master