modern times ensemble.

New Album UP! – Coming September 2025

Modern Times Ensemble proudly announces the release of our new album UP! in September 2025. Following the acclaimed debut Connections, this second release brings together an extraordinary cast of global talent in a vibrant celebration of musical collaboration.

At the heart of UP! is the core ensemble:

Ursula Gerstbach – Vocals & Harmonies
Paolo Montrone – Composer, Producer, Guitars
Arcangelo Trabucco – Piano & Keyboards
Adam Alesi – Drums & Percussion
Itaiguara Brandão – Bass
Horn Section: CJ Rehn Trumpet, Sax - Tito Planas and Drew Herter Trombones

Featured on select tracks is an exceptional lineup of guest artists:

Mike Mainieri – Vibraphone
Allen Hinds – Guitars
Travis Carlton – Bass
Donald Barrett – Drums
Matt Rhode - Keyboards
Paul Booth – Saxophone
Mimmo Malandra - Saxophone

We are especially honored to feature the legendary Mike Mainieri on a new arrangement of his classic composition Self Portrait, originally recorded with Steps Ahead featuring Michael Brecker on tenor sax. This new version—now with lyrics and vocals by the inimitable Ursula Gerstbach, and Paul Booth on saxophone—is available on all major digital platforms.

Modern Times Ensemble is a truly global musical project, connecting artists from New York, Vienna, Zurich, Los Angeles, London, Rome, Denver, and Paris. Born during the global COVID-19 pandemic in the summer of 2020, the ensemble emerged from a shared determination to create across borders, despite lockdowns and travel restrictions. What began as an online collaboration quickly grew into a vibrant network of artistic exchange.

Technology played a key role in enabling remote workflows and sustainable creativity, while preserving each artist’s individuality. Every instrument and vocal part was recorded independently, yet with a deep sense of shared purpose and connection.

True to our ethos, no samples or pre-recorded loops were used. All performances were captured live by real players, with minimal digital editing—highlighting the authenticity of each take and honoring the spirit of ensemble playing. Our commitment has always been to preserve the human touch in every note.

This project would not have been possible without the passion, dedication, and artistry of our remarkable collaborators. My deepest gratitude goes out to each and every musician who brought this music to life.

—Paolo Montrone

Modern Times Ensemble Musicians and Featured Artists have recorded and toured with (partial list):

Alicia Keys, Allen Stone, Allan Bergman, Andy Lee Lang, Aretha Franklin, Barry Manilow, Bebel Gilberto, BeBe & CeCe Winans, Ben Wendel, Beyoncé, Billy Joel, Björk, Bob Franceschini, Bob Mintzer, Bobby Caldwell, Bonnie Raitt, Carly Simon, Carlos Lyra, Charlie Banacos, Chaka Khan, Christina Aguilera, Chris Cain, Chuck Loeb, Claudio Roditi, Cleveland Watkiss, Colbie Caillat, David Benoit, David Sanborn, Derek Trucks, Diana Torto, Dire Straits, Dianne Reeves, Dom Salvador, Eddie Reader, Ennio Morricone, Eric Clapton, Eric Marienthal, Erwin Kiennast, Fabrizio Bosso, Franco D’Andrea, George Benson, Gil Goldstein, Gino Vannelli, Gordon Goodwin, Gustav Klingt, Gregg Bissonette, Gregory Porter, Hiram Bullock, Hiroshima, Horst Chmela, Incognito, INXS, Ivan Lins, James Ingram, James Morrison, Jamiroquai, Jane’s Addiction, Jesse McCartney, Jill Gailloreto, John Scofield, Jon Herington, Josh Smith, Justin Currie, Kelly Loice, Kirk Franklin, Larry Carlton, Laura Nyro, Lady Gaga, Leo Gandelman, Leny Andrade, Lionel Richie, Lisa Stansfield, Lucky Chops, Macy Gray, Marc Antoine, Marcos Valle, Marilyn Scott, Mark Janicello, Mark Ronson, Max Ionata, Michael Brecker, Michael Franks, Michael Landau, Mike Barone, Mike Longo, Mike Mainieri, Michel Legrand, Mike Stern, Natalie Cole, Negrocan, New Kids On The Block, One Direction, Paquito D’Rivera, Pat Metheny, Paulo Braga, Paul McCartney, Paul Simon, Pete Art, Peter Erskine, Pink, Prince, Pussycat Dolls, Radiohead, Randy Brecker, Randy Crawford, Richard Carpenter, Ricky Martin, Robben Ford, Roberta Flack, Roberto Menescal, Roy Ayers, Roy Hargrove, Roy Wooten, Sade, Sandra Pires, Santana, Sara Bareilles, Scott Henderson, Seal, Serena Brancale, Shawn Mendes, Sir Tom Jones, Snoop Dogg, Steely Dan, Stéphane Guillaume, Steve Gadd, Steve Winwood, Stevie Wonder, Tak Matsumoto, The Allman Brothers, The Bad Plus, The Crusaders, The Eagles, The Temptations, The Unusual Suspects, Tim Garland, Toquinho, Toni Braxton, Toots Thielemans, Umphrey’s McGee, Victor Wooten, Vulfpeck, Warren Haynes, Wolfgang Ambros, ZZ Ward

Music Creation Laboratory