by In 2005, Canadian crooner Michael Bublé released his third studio album “It’s Time.” While the album was a commercial success and further cemented Bublé’s status as a modern-day romantic balladeer, the behind-the-scenes contributors who helped shape its sound have received less attention over the years. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the key musicians, arrangers, engineers and other creative talents who were instrumental in crafting “It’s Time” into the lush, orchestral pop masterpiece it became.
Michael Bublé (Vocals, Co-Writer)
Of course, no discussion of “It’s Time” would be complete without mentioning Michael Bublé himself. By 2005, Bublé had established himself as a charismatic vocalist with a penchant for reinventing classic American standards. With “It’s Time,” he sought to build upon the success of his self-titled 2003 album while also showcasing more of his own original material.
The album features Bublé’s smooth baritone delivering romantic interpretations of well-known songs like “Save the Last Dance For Me,” “Feeling Good,” and “You Don’t Know Me.” However, Bublé also contributed his songwriting talents via the album’s original track “Home.” Co-written with Alan Chang, “Home” demonstrates Bublé’s ability to craft sentimental lyrics and melodies of his own.
Bublé’s warm vocals and charismatic stage presence were undoubtedly central to “It’s Time’s” appeal. However, as we’ll explore, the album also benefited tremendously from the contributions of other talented musicians, arrangers and engineers working behind the scenes.
David Foster (Arranger)
No discussion of “It’s Time” would be complete without mentioning the immense contributions of legendary music producer and arranger David Foster. With 16 Grammys to his name, Foster has worked with an impressive array of artists, from Celine Dion and Whitney Houston to Madonna. His lush, orchestral arrangements are signature elements in many of the biggest pop and adult contemporary hits of the past few decades.
For “It’s Time,” Foster served as the album’s primary arranger. His orchestrations brought new life and dimensionality to Bublé’s interpretations of classic tunes. Foster filled out the arrangements with sweeping strings, romantic piano flourishes, and all the hallmarks of his grandiose yet melodic style. Songs like “Feeling Good” and “Save the Last Dance For Me” took on new life thanks to Foster’s lush orchestrations.
Foster’s arrangements were a perfect match for Bublé’s smooth crooning. They complemented his vocals with just the right balance of intimacy and grandeur. Foster understood how to highlight Bublé’s talents while also giving each song cinematic scope. His contributions were undoubtedly a major factor in the album’s widespread commercial success and ability to appeal to mainstream audiences.
Humberto Gatica & Engineers
While David Foster shaped the album’s sonic landscape through his arrangements, the behind-the-scenes engineering team also played a vital role in bringing “It’s Time” to life. Chief among them was Humberto Gatica, who served as the album’s sound engineer.
Gatica brought decades of experience to the project, having worked with legendary Latin artists like Roberto Carlos, José José, and Luis Miguel. His engineering credits also included albums by pop icons like Michael Jackson. Gatica’s nuanced approach to recording vocals and complex arrangements was the perfect fit for Bublé’s sophisticated musical vision.
Under Gatica’s guidance, “It’s Time” was tracked and mixed to capture the essence of a live orchestra while also highlighting Bublé’s intimate vocals. The album has a lush, spacious quality without ever sounding overproduced. Each instrument and vocal part sits clearly in the mix, allowing the listener to appreciate all the fine details of Foster’s arrangements.
Gatica and his team worked tirelessly to achieve pristine audio quality across all formats, whether someone was listening on vinyl, CD, or digital. Their engineering ensured “It’s Time” would sound beautiful no matter the playback medium. This attention to technical excellence was crucial for the album’s commercial potential.
Additional Musicians
While specific musician credits remain elusive without liner notes, it’s likely “It’s Time” featured top-tier session players across all orchestral sections. The album’s string, horn, and rhythm sections exhibit a professional polish that suggests world-class musicians were involved.
Some educated guesses as to possible contributors include legendary jazz and studio bassist Neil Stubenhaus, acclaimed drummer Vinnie Colaiuta, and pianist Larry Goldings. All were in-demand Los Angeles session players during this era. Percussionists like Lenny Castro or Luis Conte may have also lent their talents.
On woodwinds, names like Tom Scott, Gary Grant, or Bill Reichenbach seem plausible based on their vast studio credits. And it wouldn’t be surprising if musicians from Foster’s regular pool of strings players from the LA Musicians Orchestra augmented the core string section.
Of course, without official documentation it’s impossible to say these hunches are correct. But it’s clear “It’s Time” featured top-tier instrumentalists capable of breathing new life into classic arrangements with finesse and nuance. Their contributions were a major unsung factor in the album’s success.
Legacy and Impact
Upon its 2005 release, “It’s Time” was both a commercial and critical success for Michael Bublé. It debuted at #7 on the Billboard 200 and has since gone multi-platinum. The album also earned Bublé his first Grammy win for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album.
Its widespread popularity helped cement Bublé as a household name and major concert draw. “It’s Time” also had a significant influence on the adult contemporary and standards genres. In the years since, countless artists have followed Bublé’s blueprint of reinventing the Great American Songbook for modern audiences.
While Michael Bublé’s charismatic vocals were undoubtedly central to “It’s Time’s” appeal, the album was very much a collaborative effort. Behind-the-scenes talents like David Foster, Humberto Gatica, and many uncredited session players were instrumental in crafting such a lush, orchestral soundscape. Their contributions elevated Bublé’s interpretations into something truly cinematic and timeless.
Even without official credits or liner notes, digging a bit deeper reveals some of the talented individuals who helped shape “It’s Time” into the iconic album it became. Their behind-the-scenes work demonstrates that it truly does “take a village” to produce a work of this caliber. While Bublé deserves praise for his artistry, it’s also vital we celebrate the many other creatives who worked diligently to realize his vision.
