Mark Ortwein’s three decades as a professional musician have found him involved in recordings, musical theater, chamber ensembles, jazz bands, R&B groups and orchestras. Born in Montana and raised in Nevada, he then attended Loyola University and Boston University where he studied bassoon and jazz saxophone. After a few years with a couple United States Air Force Bands, Ortwein completed his Master’s degree at the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music. He teaches bassoon at the University of Indianapolis, is a founding member of the Icarus Ensemble (jazz quintet), and also leads a jazz fusion group, The Ortwein JazzTet.

Showcasing his versatility, It was Time features Ortwein playing saxophones, bassoon, clarinet and flute. It features a nice mix of jazz and Latin tunes, including five originals written by Ortwein. The title cut creates its evocative mood with the bass clarinet conversing with tenor saxophone. Each composition has its own vibe and mood whether it be the salsa-driven “Pepperoni Grande con Queso Mas,” poignant “No More Butterflies,” sentimental “Lunar Love” or reflective “Schizoid” that seems to shape-shift between various colorings, interludes and rhythmic changes from a street beat to cool jazz. Ortwein’s accomplices contribute a few originals too, bassist Peter Hansen’s “Basso Bossa,” guitarist John Fell’s “I Might be Happy,” and his multi-instrumentalist son Olas Ortwein’s “Bigfoot” that ends the set with a song that’s raucous and rocking.  One of Indianapolis’ top metalish drummers, Johnny Concannon, recorded the drums to close out the album with a bang.

Besides the originals, Ortwein worked with pianist Paul Langford to arrange “I Can’t Make You Love Me” with Ortwein playing the melody through once before Josh Kaufman (winner of NBC's The Voice) sings the two verses.  Famously recorded by Bonnie Raitt, Ortwein’s rendition closes with some grooving alto sax. “After You’ve Gone” and “Bigfoot” also feature appearances by trumpet player Kenny Rampton. A funky rendition of John Coltrane’s “Lonnie’s Lament” was arranged with Ortwein playing melody and solo on bassoon with tenor sax being the countermelody.

Ortwein had been thinking about doing some albums for years, but he’s always been very busy with playing, teaching or recording for others. During the pandemic, he finally planned two albums and recorded them within the last year. Peaking at #10 on The Roots Music Report's Top 50 Jazz Album Chart (during the week on February 11, 2023), It was Time is jazz while Ortwein’s other album has classically-based music. A diverse offering, these eclectic musicians clearly had some fun putting this album together. You’ll have a ton of fun listening to it too. (Joe Ross, Roots Music Report)