Having been featured on more than 20 college radio stations on the West Coast, Present Tense made a strong statement with their debut CD: Night Shadows. With original jazz written for traditionalists as well as for "people that don't get jazz," Present Tense is a high intensity recording and performing group aiming to balance "audience-accessibility" with this improvisational artform.

With "Smooth Talkin'," Present Tense brings contemporary instrumental compositions into a new era. By blending smooth driving grooves with the complexities and textures of fusion, rock and Latin, the ensemble has created a fresh and trend-setting organic sound that is as sophisticated as it is accessible.

While their first CD is trio based - Smooth Talkin' has evolved their sound to include saxophone, guitar, trumpet, more “pronounced” percussion and master layering.

Add in ERIC MARIENTHAL and ALEX ACUNA (click on their respective sites to learn more about their talents and accomplishments), and Smooth Talkin' is now on a new plateau.

For live performances, the group fluctuates from a trio up to a quintet or even more for special events. The core features Richard J. Frank on acoustic bass, Ronnie Kaufman on drums and percussion, Chad Edwards on piano and keyboards, guitarist Carlyle Barriteau and saxophonist Kenny Long. To remain contemporary and refreshing, the group maximizes it's full potential by exploiting a unique combination of styles, textures, colors and flavors.

But that's not how Present Tense started.

Richard and Ronnie (PT Music), the writers and leaders of the group, have known each other since 1983. About six years ago they started formulating a "power trio" (hence their debut CD) with the goal of creating a contemporary instrumental sound with roots of past greats Chick Corea, Sting, Stevie Wonder, Dave Matthews, and Herbie Hancock.

Chemistry.

Chemistry is the most important ingredient. Ronnie and Richard were fortunate to have pianists Chad Edwards and John Enrico Douglas as the session cats on the "Night Shadows" CD. They both contributed so much to the recordings through their touch and interpretation of the compositions. And now, Present Tense is very pleased to have Carlyle and Kenny (plus special guests) playing with the group. Their accomplished musicianship is indeed an inspiring addition to their live performances.

Groove.

Ronnie Kaufman has recorded numerous albums and CDs most notably with The GAP Band, Bobby Womack, and Rene and Angela, plus he has toured extensively with all of them. Ronnie is the composer of several of the group's original repertoire with his signature style of high-energy rhythms and catchy melodies.

Richard Frank's background is a musical rainbow including rock, jazz, pop, classical and ethnic musics. He was recently featured on the CD "now and zen" with Zen Dadio, has toured nationally with the Harry James Orchestra and played the symphonic repertoire with the American Youth Symphony under Mehli Mehta. Richard writes, arranges, and influences much of the music for the trio/quartet in his "audience accessible" writing style.

Listen.

Present Tense is a work in progress. The CD is trio based - live is another thing altogether with new dimensions brought to the compositions. All performances are full of heart, soul and solid musicianship where everyone unites to create a new ensemble sound.