Arturo Gomez interviews Bob on his August 12, 2025 KUVO show Lunchtime!
For decades, renowned recording engineer Rudy Van Gelder captured one classic jazz album after another in his Englewood Cliffs, NJ studio. Perhaps because he did so many, he was extremely efficient. He was able to get an album on tape in a single day, sometimes in as little as three hours. Other recording artists have been known to take a bit longer. Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon (Capitol Records, 1973), for example, required about eight months of recording and production.
Colorado pianist/composer Bob Schlesinger took the latter approach with his newly released Falling From Earth (Bob Schlesinger, 2025). Work on the project began in 2018. Astute readers will note that there was the little matter of COVID-19 in the interim. But besides that, Schlesinger and producer John March spent considerable time reworking the original recordings, much like Teo Macero's and Miles Davis's post-recording work on Bitches Brew (Columbia, 1970).
Rating: Indespensible
Born in a time of isolation, brought to life by persistence and passion.
Conceived during the pandemic and finally seeing the light of day, Falling From Earth is far more than a standard jazz record, it’s a testament to perseverance, collaboration, and a deep love of craft. What begins as an album built on clever arrangements and engaging compositions quickly reveals itself as something greater: a gathering of remarkable musicians, each leaving their fingerprint on the music. And among them, one voice is instantly recognizable from the very first note of guitar: the luminous, elegant, unmistakable Mike Stern.
Pianist and composer Bob Schlesinger will release Falling From Earth, his debut album as a bandleader, on August 1, 2025. Recorded with an elite ensemble including guitarist Mike Stern, bassist Eddie Gómez, and drummer Billy Drummond, the project combines post-bop, fusion, and modern jazz across ten tracks.
Now on Spotify, It's All Right Ma (Im Only Bleeding) is Bob's arrangement of Bob Dylan’s classic, recorded with Eddie Gomez on bass, and Billy Drummond on drums.
The video was made in collaboration with Bob's brother, John, whose photograph is used on the album cover.
Simeon Morrow interviews Bob after the release of Falling From Earth
We are pleased to announce the release of Bait Tone Blues.
Producer John March provides a behind-the-scenes look at a new jazz project with guest artists Mike Stern, Eddie Gomez, Kevin Axt, Billy Drummond, Steve Hass, Karl Latham, and Dean Oldencott.
Colorado Pianist/Composer Bob Schlesinger Celebrates the Release of Falling From Earth, His Long-Awaited Debut as a Leader
Thursday, August 14, 7:00PM
Dazzle, Denver
Tickets Available Online
Album Release Show Features Bassist Mike Brown and Drummer Mark Raynes
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