Rob Tardik, winner of the 2010 Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards for Guitarist of the Year has produced a new album, now available for sale. Tardik’s third album titled, “Balance-Energy-Laughter-Love [B.E.L.L.]” has an organic feel with several artist collaborations. Whether the artists contributed technically or artistically, there is creative harmony and diversity. For the first time, Tardik features Francois Mulder, born in South West Africa, to perform the vocals for two of the album’s tracks.

Unwrapping this album is like opening four mini presents at once. This album’s strength and foundation are from Tardik’s simplistic motto for living, “Life is all about Balance-Energy-Laughter-Love … so let’s all keep ringing this B.E.L.L. loud and clear!” Each letter of the acronym is segmented on the album into three songs totaling 12 tracks. The album has 11 newly composed songs plus the remake of “The Right Time”. Listen carefully and hear Tardik’s journey and purpose for life from his eyes. The placement of the songs is just as important and gives some insight into this artist’s passion for his music and life.

Balance

The song “The Right Time” might suggest time and space but it represents a declaration of love and its timing in the scheme of life. Mulder gives new life to this remake from Tardik’s self-titled album released in 2009. “Kimberly’s Song” is a thoughtful composition written for someone very dear in the heart of the artist. Not to be overlooked, “East Meets Wes” is an excellent introduction piece to the album and has been climbing the charts since its debut.

Energy

Energy can be a contrast and these songs express several facets. In this love ballad, Mulder gives “When It Comes To Lovin’ You” a fullness, richness and soulfulness with every word sung. The lyrics expose a lover’s intense feelings about the love in his life. It is the quiet energy that fortifies the soul and soothes the heart. Of course, “Frolic” and “Shakin The House” are examples of energy gone outside of the box.

Laughter

If laughter is needed, then these cuts will give listeners reasons to be glad to be alive. The three songs “La Buena Vida [The Good Life]”, “Sunday Morning” and “Smile” make the heart and soul happy. “La Buena Vida [The Good Life]”, sounds like a flamenco dancer’s choreography set to music. Could life get any better than this if it were not set to this musical rendition of living life head on?

Love

These songs were written from the heart and for the heart while Tardik plays his nylon guitars for all three tracks. “Waiting for Love” features Gabriel Mark Hasselbach on trumpet and flugelhorn and is a beautiful instrumental that seamlessly intertwines the two instruments. The finished piece is a musical gooey goodness that oozes love from every played note.

What makes this album unique in its production is the generosity of Tardik to share and collaborate with other artists to present an album for listeners to enjoy. Bravo for Tardik’s generous spirit and foresight to give us such a diverse album. Interestingly, Tardik did not give the album a self-titled song but chose to let every piece contribute to the B.E.L.L. album title. The album not only affirms Tardik’s talents but displays his love for the music he plays. As an Indie artist, Tardik balances the art and business sides of the industry and has creatively conquered both with finesse.

With each purchase, there is exclusive access to additional downloads and privileged content by using a special key code, located inside the album cover. Support this artist’s quest to continue bringing his artistry and passion to the world. Listen to sample cuts and purchase the album at http://www.robtardik.com/rt/Intro_bell.htm.

See Rob Tardik’s “The Right Time” album review on this site.