2010 Canadian Smooth Jazz Guitarist of the Year!
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THE RIGHT TIME


Rob's 2nd CD...
2nd CD: The Right TimeThe Right Time (released: 2009)
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Reviews / Press

Rob Tardik Comes Alive With The Right Time
Genre: Jazz - Smooth

With a flare for melodic jazz, guitarist Rob Tardik creates music that puts audiences in a sunny mood on his new CD, The Right Time from Guitardik Music label. Tracks like “Cruisin’” and “Frame of Mind” are cut with an easy listening style interlaced through the chord patterns as the soft, ambling tempo buffers the dangling projectiles of Carson Freeman’s saxophone and the furling moans of keyboardist Davor Jordanovski.

Tardik slathers accelerant on the romantic flint of his guitar chords as the cruising strokes hoist the title track and “Flow” making way for the rhythm section of drummer Jeff Salem and bassist Curtis Freeman to sear lounging grooves through the melody. The songs are made to depict a vacation resort injecting an upbeat vibe in “Smoothy” which is bolstered by the agile picking of Tardik’s finger movements, and generating a turf of balmy rays along “Bounce” drawn from the twirling strands of piano keys and shimmery ruffles emitting from the saxophone. The seaside bobbling in the rhythmic motions of “You Know What I Mean” arrange the instruments to coast at a comfy pace and transition into a romantic simmer in “Summer Nights”. The relaxing gait of Tardik’s guitar chords in “That’s A Strut” has a soft, rollicking rhythm, which transfers to a folksy tone in “Waiting for Rain”.

The Right Time is mood music tempered to calm rumpled emotions and unwind nervous energy. The songs inspire love from its coating of serene aesthetics to its pleasing, ambling tempo. Born in Canada, Rob Tardik has a gift for making melodic jazz and arranging the instruments to complement one another’s phrasing so the crustaceans are a welcoming derivative of the beaux arts.


Jazz Inside,
www.jazzinsidemagazine.com/Members/sweetpeasuzie/rob-tardik-comes-alive-with-the-right-time/
The Right Time
Rob Tardik | Guitardik Music (2010)

Canadian guitarist Rob Tardik has been around for the past 20 years, during which he has established strong credentials in different fields. Besides being a performer, he is also a teacher and entrepreneur. However, his skill as a guitarist has seen him play with Earl Klugh, Spyro Gyra, Bob James and Lee Ritenour at the Smooth Jazz Awards in Mississauga, Ontario, a city that neighbors Toronto, Canada. Mississauga honored him in 2007 with the “Established Performer of the Year” award, one that was previously given to pianist Oscar Peterson and guitarist Rik Emmett.

Tardik released his self produced debut, Without Words, in 2006, traversing a wide variety of styles that included mainstream and contemporary jazz, pop and Brazilian music--both through standards and originals. He gives himself up entirely to original material on The Right Time and continues to prove that he is no slouch when it comes to writing a tune that grabs.

The beat is on as he sets out “Cruisin'” with his band. Tardik fans the warm breeze of the melody with round, juicy notes over Jeff Salem's emphatic beat. The whole production is neat, with the repeated motifs of the guitar essaying an undeniable charm.

Carson Freeman plays a brawny tenor as he evokes the blues on “That's a Strut.” Tardik has his own ideas and he plays them with a lilt, his notes singing a happy song. The juxtaposition of the guitar and the saxophone transcends the ordinary and, with Davor Jordanovsky injecting crystalline piano in consonance with the guitar, the palette gathers a rich hue.

Smooth jazz may be at the core of many of the outings, but the band essays the compositions with a palpable emotion. The group doesn't let the music waft into the atmosphere reeking of blandness; instead, the groove is laid deep, with a creative flair that breathes life into every note. “Flip Flop” glows with a funky beat before swerving into lithe swing, as Tardik plumbs the melody with controlled abandon. Adding to the potency are Jordanovsky's grinding Hammond and the firm linearity of Freeman.

The music is a delight shaped by a band that is what it should be--a collaboration that maps the music in rich detail.

Track Listing: Cruisin'; Frame of Mind; Flip Flop; The Right Time; Smoothy; Bounce; Flow; You Know What I Mean; Summer Nights; That's a Strut; Virtue; Waiting For Rain.

Personnel: Rob Tardik: electric, acoustic, flamenco, nylon-string guitar; Carson Freeman: tenor, alto and soprano saxophones; Davor Jordanovski: piano, Hammond, keyboards; Curtis Freeman: bass guitar; Jeff Salem: drums.

Jerry D'Souza,
All About Jazz
www.allaboutjazz.com/php/article.php?id=35731
Rob Tardik
The Right Time 3/3

O's Notes: This is a collection of guitar-based smooth jazz songs. Tardik plays all guitars and leads the band with Carson Freeman (sax), Jeff Salem (d), Chris Freeman (b) and Davir Jordanovski (p). All of the music flows nicely especially "Bounce" and "You Know What I Mean". It is a balanced upbeat set with lots of positive energy.

D. Oscar Groomes,
O's Place Jazz Magazine
www.osplacejazz.com
The Right Time - Rob Tardik

Rob Tardik, 2010 Guitarist of the Year nominee for the Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards, has once again given us another masterpiece and it is "The Right Time." The sounds emanating from his Electric and Acoustic/Flamenco Nylon guitars are magic. Does he touch the strings or wave a wand over them?

"The Right Time" is a beautiful tapestry woven with harmonic tones, uncluttered arrangements, and the balancing of other instrumental elements. The cohesion is evident as you listen to the artist perform throughout the album.

There are four songs that are on the "Without Words" (released 2006) and "The Right Time" albums: "Smoothy," "That’s a Strut," "You Know What I Mean" and "Summer Time" (renamed "Summer Nights" on "The Right Time" album). On "The Right Time" album these songs have added complementing instruments and remixed for enhancement. The rest of "The Right Time" album features other works by Tardik.

All of the music on the "The Right Time" demonstrates Tardik’s love for his craft, but these four songs represent the breadth of his talent: "Flow," "The Right Time," "Virtue" and "Waiting for Rain."

"Flow" whispers in your ear and you hear the voice of each note as it lingers and you are caught up in its spell. For a brief moment it sweeps you off your feet without leaving the ground. Time stands still while Tardik’s guitar is no longer something he plays but a marriage between a musician and his instrument.

"The Right Time" is not the first cut on the album; however, its location does not lessen the quality and showcases the skill, talent and passion for his music. The keyboard, saxophone and other instruments enhance the smooth as glass execution of the guitar. Notes glide across the strings without a hint of finger movement.

Slide into your favorite chair for the smoothest ride as you listen to "Virtue." The saxophone and guitar are the steering wheel and your mind is the gas pedal. The music is so P.U.R.E.* that it is hard to believe it was produced from a guitar. By "Virtue" the notes seem to jump from the artist’s head and into your soul.

"Waiting for Rain" comforts and soothes your soul and senses. It feels like the warmth of a glowing fire with slowly burning embers while it rains outside. Sit back and relax, sip on a hot drink, and wrap yourself in the melodious blanket of music. Tardik’s simplistic approach to composing music makes it P.U.R.E.* and complex simultaneously.

Every cut is worth listening to and appreciating the music that this artist has painstakingly produced. Stay grounded and keep producing music that comes from your heart and soul.

Oh yes, put this acronym in your repertoire P.U.R.E.* Perfect, Unadulterated, Resonating Energy. It represents the outward manifestation of your commitment as a musician, father, son, and friend. The energy you exude leaves a restorative state of being.

Kim Yvette Stanley,
www.jazztimes.com (review source)

jazztimes.com
Review: Rob Tardik The Right Time

Toronto native Rob Tardik is since two decades an in-demand guitarist of the Canadian music scene. He started his solo career with the self-produced album Without Words (2006), which garnered rave reviews of Internet critics and radiomen. Now Rob returns with his sophomore album The Right Time (2009) presenting new compositions and three highlights of his previous album.

Guest musicians on this album are Davor Jordanovski (piano, keyboards and Hammond), Curtis Freeman ( bass guitar), Jess Salem (drums and percussion), Carson Freeman (saxes, flute), and Mike Petkovski on piano on That’s a Strut.

Cruisin' brings you right into good mood. A bit syncopation is irritating the flow, but Rob showcases with his swaying solo that he is the announced master of guitar.

Frame Of Mind features Davor Jordanovski's elegant piano style and Carson Freeman's enduring sax introducing Rob's supreme lead guitar.

More of this easy going stuff presents Flip Flop. Rob's precise and clean guitar loops expose his impressive talent. But his discreet performance on The Right Time illustrates his feeling for subtle tones and moods.

Rob opens with Smoothy the window of melodic harmony wide. The vibrant Bounce is a good fundament for uplifting moves. When Rob plays melodic songs like Flow, I wish he would play on an Ibanez instead on the a bit tinny sounding Godin Multiac Acoustic/Electric, but perhaps is that his personal style.

Sax player Carson Freeman's skills shine on You Know What I Mean. Rob takes the lead on guitar but gives his fellow-musicians always enough space to expand. When mild winds caress your skin and you are sitting on the right place, then you just feel good. What can be a better addition than Summer Nights?

On That's A Strut one can really hear, that the band enjoyed their performance. What a relaxed elegance. The Bossa Nova infected Virtue let you swing, while the contemplative Waiting For Rain gives you time for recreation and reflection. After my personal taste the best piece of the album. This is certainly the way Rob should go further.

Rob Tardik's second album The Right Time is a break through the wall of uniformity. With his own inexhaustible power Rob Tardik will walk the path to success.

Starportrait,
www.smooth-jazz.de/starportrait/Tardik/Therighttime.htm
Interview: Right Time for Guitarist's New Album
Mississauga.com - December 7, 2009

Mississauga guitarist Rob Tardik felt The Right Time was a fairly apt title for his latest album.
The adult contemporary, or smooth jazz, musician is making a concerted push to raise his profile among fans and the music community. As the name of the album implies, the time is now.
"It's a very positive album and filled with good energy," said Tardik. "Right now, I just want to get my name out there.
"I'm at a cross-point in my life," he continued. "I want to establish myself (further) as an artist and take a kick at the big time. I want to take my career to another level."
The 12-track album was recorded at Mississauga's Big Bang Music Recording Studios with studio owner Davor Jordanovski. After recording his previous album, 2006's Without Words, by himself, Tardik said he welcomed having another person to work with him this time around.
"Personally, I think collaboration is key," said Tardik. "You really need that interaction and a second input. Luckily, we had chemistry right away and we hit it off."
Tardik, who has been a teacher at the Merriam School of Music on the Oakville/Mississauga border for the past dozen years, wrote and recorded nine new tracks for the album. Three of the tracks are from his previous album but have been re-recorded and re-worked for the new release.
The all-instrumental album begins with the light-hearted and catchy Crusin and includes tracks such as Bounce, Summer Nights and Flow, among others. Tardik said he enjoys the all-instrumental format and it's a style he enjoys listening to.
"It's easy on the ears," said Tardik. "(Smooth jazz) is fun because it can take all manner of twists and turns and you can improvise a bit."
Tardik has a little help on the album with Curtis Freeman playing bass, Jeff Salem on drums and percussion and Carson Freeman on saxophone and flute. Jordanovski even gets into the act, playing piano and keyboards.
Tardik, a staple at the annual Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards, was the recipient of the 2007 Mississauga Arts Award in the Established Performing Arts category. The album, which sells for $15, can be purchased through www.robtardik.com

Chris Clay,
www.mississauga.com (interview source)

mississauga.com
Featured Artist: Rob Tardik
CD Title: The Right Time

Rob Tardik, a 2010 Guitarist of the Year nominee for the Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards, resonates of good cheer on his newest CD The Right Time. Playing all electric, acoustic and flamenco-nylon string guitars, Tardik is an artist whose talents should not be locked up in a music conservatory training aspiring guitarists. There is too much sunshine radiating from his playing that needs to be unleashed. His music cradles listeners in a cozy warmth reminiscent of cottony-cloud softness.

Accompanied by saxophonist Carson Freeman, bassist Curtis Freeman, keyboardist Davor Jordanovski, and drummer Jeff Salem, Tardik’s music is a sonic vision of bliss and all the enjoyable sensations that life has to offer. Implementing elements of smooth jazz and contemporary pop, Tardik’s instrumentals provide an inviting escape for audiences with fields of serenely sedate vapors and gently grazing sensations.

His guitar strings are tasseled in ruminating piano keys and plumes of soothing saxophone billows through “Frame Of Mind.” Tardik administers a balmy treatment in his chord progressions along “Flow,“ depicting an island breeze and transitions into a romantic hue in the soft sway of his chords gliding across “Summer Nights.” The music projects an intimate setting in “Virtue,” with calming strokes that act like a soothing ointment on the senses, as the upbeat tempo of “Cruisin” and “Flip Flop” injects a dance groove into the mix. The title track and “Smoothy” have a comfy, pulsating rhythm that turns into a dancehall vibe in “Bounce.” There is a hint of old-fashioned romanticism in Tardik’s music though he never loses touch with elements of contemporary melodicism.

The main objective of Tardik’s music is to provide pleasure to listeners and he does so effectively on his recording The Right Time. It is an album that listeners can sit back and play to over and over again without ever feeling tired of being engulfed in its rolling waves of tranquility. He offers an escape that promotes blissful moods and cheerful ambiences. The Right Time is the follow up to Tardik’s debut album Without Words and furthers establishes Rob Tardik as a persuasive smooth jazz artist.

Susan Frances,
www.JazzReview.com
ROB TARDIK: THE RIGHT TIME

The following review, in Spanish, is from No Solo Smooth Jazz.com

To translate roughly into English, please copy text and paste into Google's Translation page here: http://translate.google.com/translate_t# choosing "From" Spanish "To" the language or your choice.

El compositor y guitarrista Rob Tardik está de enhorabuena por dos buenos motivos, por un lado está nominado en la categoría de “Guitarrista del Año” para los Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards que se fallarán en los primeros meses del próximo año y por otro, el día 12 de Noviembre presentaba su última producción discográfica titulada “The Right Time”. Habrá que esperar al próximo 23 de Abril para saber si Rob Tardik se hace con el galardón, pero mientras llega ese día tenemos tiempo para poder escuchar un excelente disco, sobre todo si tu instrumento favorito es la guitarra. La experiencia artística y musical de Tardik es solvente y sólida; su carrera musical abarca casi dos décadas. En los últimos cuatro años ha participado como guitarrista en los Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards que se celebran anualmente en la ciudad de Mississauga en el Living Arts Center y ha tenido la oportunidad de subirse a un escenario con músicos de la talla de Earl Klugh, Spyro Gyra, Lee Ritenour o Bob James. Rob Tardik nace en Toronto, Canada y con tan solo siete años de edad comienza a tocar la guitarra. Al alcanzar la edad de 17 años obtiene una beca y estudia en la York University de Toronto. Sus influencias musicales son músicos contemporáneos como por ejemplo, Larry Carlton, Eddie Van Halen, George Benson, Al Di Meola, Lee Ritenour, Carlos Jobim, Sting o el guitarrista español Paco de Lucía. Su primer trabajo discográfico titulado “Without Words” recibió excelentes críticas musicales. Ahora, Rob Tardik presenta su más reciente producción discográfica titulada “The Right Time” y publicada por el sello discográfico Guitardik Music Records. En “The Right Time” nos vamos a encontrar 12 excelentes composiciones donde el sonido de la guitarra de Rob Tardik no va a ser elemento a destacar; y es que la participación de los restantes músicos será fundamental y básica. El álbum se inicia con el primer corte que lleva por titulo “Cruisin´” y en el que hay espacio para la guitarra acústica de Rob y el saxo de Carson Freeman. Una de las características de este disco que más llaman la atención es que no es simplemente un disco donde el instrumento protagonista sea la guitarra sino que la participación de instrumentos como el piano, el Hammond B3 o el saxo están muy presentes a lo largo de todos los temas. Uno de los temas a destacar es “Frame Of Mind”. Se trata de una composición up-tempo muy completa y que contiene una excelente sección de metal a lo que se añade un “solo” de piano de Davor Jordanovski y un “solo” de saxo de Carson Freeman. El Hammond B3 vuelve a sonar como antaño en el tema titulado “Flip Flop” al que se añade nuevamente el refuerzo de saxo de Carson Freeman. El tema que titula el álbum, “The Right Time”, es algo más tranquilo y está a medio camino entre la balada y la canción ligera. Pero para balada, el tema que cierra el álbum y titulado “Waiting For Rain”, donde tan solo se escucha la guitarra de Rob Tardik y la percusión de Jeff Salem. Completan el álbum temas como “Smoothy”, “Bounce”, “Flow”, “You Know What I Mean”, “Virtue“, “Summer Nights” o “That´s A Strut”. En lo que respecta al aspecto más musical del álbum, Rob Tardik ha logrado una muy buena banda formada por el bajista Curtis Freeman, el pianista Davor Jordanovski, el batería y percusionista Jeff Salem y el saxofonista y flautista Carson Freeman, que curiosamente también está nominado en la categoría de “Músico de Viento del Año” para los Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards. El álbum es producido, grabado, mezclado, masterizado y arreglado por Rob Tardik y Davor Jordanovski en los Big Bang Music Recording Studios. Estamos seguros que el segundo trabajo discográfico de Rob Tardik gustará, tanto al jurado de los Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards como a los aficionados a la guitarra.
Rob Tardik
The Right Time (2009)

The newest smooth jazz sounds come from Canada this time. Guitarist Rob Tardik composed nine new instrumental tracks, and combined them with three new versions of songs from his previous album. He plays all electric, acoustic and flamenco nylon guitars, and is backed up by Davor Jordanovski on piano, keyboards and Hammond, by Curtis Freeman on bass guitar, by Jess Salem on drums and percussion, by Carson Freeman on alto, tenor & soprano saxes and on flute, and by Mike Petkovski on piano on ’That’s a Strut’. The result is fresh smooth jazz with the joyful ‘Cruisin’ as opener, followed by the more relaxed ‘Frame of Mind’. ‘Flip Flop’ is again cheerful and uplifting. The title track shows that Rob can deliver interesting melodies, and the beautiful ‘Smoothy’ is one of my favourites. ‘Bounce’ does just what it says, the song just bounces from my speakers and sparkles. With ‘Flow’ Rob eases down and lets romance kick in. ‘You Know What I Mean’ is a relaxed mid-tempo track, and Rob sure knows how to bring a smooth jazz instrumental. On ‘Summer Nights’ you can easily imagine you’re out on the porch gazing at the stars while this cool tune plays. With ‘That’s a Strut’ you can take a leisurely stroll, and on ‘Virtue’ you can sit back. Closing time comes in the form of the ballad ‘Waiting For Rain’, an intimate song brought to you on nylon string guitar. An interesting discovery for me, a name to remember next time you’re looking for some sleek guitar music.

Patrick Van de Wiele,
SmoothJazz.eu
Rob Tardik
The Right Time

I've had the pleasure with working with Rob Tardik and know from first-hand experience what an amazing guitarist he is! I also still have the pleasure of working with sax-man Carson Freeman, delightfully featured on Rob's stellar new CD "The Right Time". So just imagine how thrilled I am to see both these beautiful boys receive nominations for the 2010 Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards! This new CD is definitely a "Smoothy". From one track to the next, Rob's mellow groove shines through. "That's A Strut" has always been a personal favorite, and "Flow" does exactly that, layering Davor Jordanovski's gorgeous piano with Rob's perfectly nuanced guitar and Carson's always tasty sax. My new favorite? The final track "Waiting for Rain". What can I say ... it is breathtakingly beautiful. It is obviously "The Right Time" for Rob Tardik. Welcome to the big time, my friend!

Vickie van Dyke,
Midday Host
Wave 94.7FM
Read the review: Rob Tardik - The Right Time, October 4, 2009
(http://www.audiophilia.com/wp/?p=2914)

by Anthony Kershaw, Jazz Recordings
Audiophilia ("Online Journal for the Serious Audiophile")

I caught a couple of sets of Toronto jazz guitarist, Rob Tardik at the beginning of the summer. His solo turn was superb. Great renditions of standards. The playing was technically accomplished, he has great chops and the whole package is evocative and sophisticated.

I really enjoyed his latest CD, The Right Time (available at his website and soon on iTunes). No covers here. All songs are original. Tardik’s style on his latest recording is laid back and in a very pleasant groove. I could imagine driving on a sunny day, on a winding road with the top down. It would be a perfect accompaniment. But it does give pure musical pleasure, too.

Tardik is classically trained and has excellent technique on electric and Acoustic/Flamenco nylon guitars. The lovely sound he produces mixes well with the Sanbornesque sax playing of Carson Freeman. I was not quite as fond of the keyboard solos, and I thought the bass could have come up a little in the mix, but starring along with the superb Tardik is one of Canada’s greatest drummers, Jeff Salem. Salem’s flawless drumming on this CD is a constant pleasure.

Tardik’s CV mentions that he also doubles as a recording engineer and trained for this role at Toronto’s prestigious program at Humber College. The recording is first rate. Natural, with a lovely sense of space. My only caveat is the aforementioned bass guitar. I would have liked a smidgen more.

If you are into smooth jazz (not the muzak that many of the ’smooth jazz’ radio stations play), then try Tardik. The music on this CD fulfills many roles. As musical enjoyment, for guitar aficionados and as a backdrop for a sophisticated evening. Enjoy!
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People's Comments

"Dear Rob, Thanks to Galaxie's Smooth Jazz channel I am now a loyal fan! In fact, before Summer Nights had finished playing I had purchased your most wonderful new CD from iTunes. Now, if I may be as so bold to offer a suggestion: give us more! Please!! We'll be sure to see you in concert sometime soon. Sincerely,"
- Roger Curtis, Kingston
"Enjoying the CD I am. One of these days I will listen to something else, Lol."
- Tammy Tassone
"Thanks a lot for your post on fb. I am a huge fan of smooth jazz for years. I found your name on www.smoothjazz.com chart, then I found samples on your website - and eventualy I bought your cd. :-) Thanks God for the Internet. I am the author and host of the "Chilli Smooth" radio show on Radio Merkury. The station broadcasts in Poznan, Poland and covers large parts of western Poland. "Chilli Smooth" can be also heard on Radio Merkury's website www.radiomerkury.pl on Saturdays 10:00 PM CET. The show's main musical style is smooth jazz of course. It will be a huge pleasure for me to play your music on the show. Hope to hear from you."

Pawel Oses
www.radiomerkury.pl
RadioMerkury.pl
"I credit Canadian Ted Hasiuk of "Cafe Jazz" fame for introducing me to Rob's music. His guitar playing is fresh and vibrant, and "The Right Time" has both tremendous depth and diversity---a true treat for any programmer. It is easy to understand why Rob was nominated for "Guitarist of the Year" by the Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards panel."
- Chris Acton, Smooth Jazz on the Wav
"Lovin your new CD, its simply fantastic! And nice to see the Wave playing it as well!"
- Bruce Trudelle
"Hello Rob, I received the CD and it is fantastic. I just wanted to let you know. Take Care and keep me posted if you ever come out to Calgary to play."
- Christine Ryan, Calgary
"It’s awesome! Rob, Very high quality and professional. Clean relaxing sound. Good Luck with it. I will send the CD link to others…"
- Domenic Galati, Woodbridge
"Hey Rob... Just wanted to say I am diggin the CD... awesome job, just love it!! You are so talented! I worked late last night, got in and was so tired so threw the CD in and had a glass of wine... was instantly super chilled... "
- Helen Viveiros, Ajax
"I love the CD - well done. When is the UK tour?"
- Billy Milton, UK
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"Life is all about   Balance • Energy • Laughter • Love ... so let's all keep ringing this B.E.L.L loud and clear!"
~ Rob Tardik