"When they play, you can just sit back and enjoy the energy as your senses take a much needed vacation."
              ~Bob Leggett / Music Connection Magazine

BEST FUSION ARTIST (Long Beach Jazz Search)
BEST JAZZ ARTIST nominee  (Orange County Music Association)
BEST JAZZ ARTIST nominee  (Los Angeles Music Awards)
FINALIST (Great American Song Competition) for "Smiles" written by Richard J. Frank

Present Tense is an "organic" experience exhibiting a blend of original contemporary works and throwback classics along with moving instrumental jams. Their live performances (often accompanied with special guests) are a feast for the eyes and ears, showcasing each of the musician's individual skills. The following excerpt from a recent press review sums up this point nicely:

"Each musician in this group can stand on his own, and all are allowed to shine singularly. In fact, each instrument is so much a part of the total sound that without any one piece it would change significantly."
            ~Music Connection Magazine

While their live performances are not to be missed, Present Tense's studio albums hold to the same level of musical integrity with high-end production values and special guests. As on their debut CD "Night Shadows," and the soon-to-be released album, "Smooth Talkin" (featuring Eric Marienthal on saxophone and Alex Acuna on percussion), the main tracks were recorded LIVE in the studio with few over dubs.  What you hear is a tight sound that's polished with real-time interaction - not, like many others, layered to a drum machine and looped.  This is what makes their sound 'organic.'  The majority of instruments are acoustic with some added electric elements, compliments of guitar and keys.  In essence, the organic vibe of PRESENT TENSE music is exhilarating.

"Present Tense is a group to watch closely."
              ~Matt Cibula / Music Critic.com