All the talent in the world, it's often been said, can't make up for motivation, dedication and a lifelong commitment to craft and career.

Happily for acclaimed vocalist Michael Bublé (pronounced Boo-blay), all the talent in the world comes with a potent work ethic that has earned him an international following the old fashioned way: one fan at a time.

Consider: since the release of his groundbreaking 2003 debut album on 143 Records/Reprise, this richly gifted young artist has literally been around the world an astonishing eight times, playing for audiences large and small and, in the process, connecting with music lovers of every description. "I've seen how music can transcend border and boundaries, cultures and creeds," Michael asserts. "It's been an education but, more importantly, it's been an inspiration."

For his global fan following, the feeling is mutual. And now, with the release of It's Time, his eagerly awaited new album featuring thirteen fresh tracks, including the Bublé penned original "Home," the winning combination of hard work and sheer talent has yielded spectacular results. Simply put, It's Time for Michael Bublé.

Produced by multi Grammy® winning talent David Foster, It's Time also highlights a glorious rendition of "The More I See You" produced by jazz legend Tommy LiPuma. Along with distinctive renditions of specially selected tracks, including the Nina Simone standard "Feeling Good," Marvin Gaye's classic "How Sweet It Is," the Italian pop perennial "Quando, Quando, Quando," Leon Russell's "Song For You," the anthemic "Save The Last Dance For Me" and a host of others, It's Time firmly establishes Michael's credentials as a world-class artist.

"I want to be tangible to my audience," says Michael by way of explaining his virtually non-stop touring itinerary over the past two years. "I've performed in everything from small clubs to major concert halls. It's been a tremendous confidence builder, which I think is reflected in the performances on my new album and it gave me a chance to try out some of the new material and find out what worked."

That confidence, in turn, is deeply rooted in a lifelong love of music. A Vancouver native, Michael was introduced to the classics of the American pop canon by his grandfather. "He asked me, as a favor to him, to learn the songs that he loved so much," Michael recounts. "I started practicing 'Stardust' and 'Melancholy Baby' and won a local talent contest, but was disqualified for being underage. So my granddad, who was a plumber, offered to do free work for local musicians in exchange for letting me perform a few numbers with them on stage."

By the age 17 Michael already had a wealth of experience under his belt and knew exactly where he was heading. He won another first prize at the Canadian Youth Talent Search, recorded and released a series of independent albums and racked up invaluable chops as part of a U.S. road company for Red Rock Diner and the musical revue Swing.

Following the release of Michael Bublé in early 2003, he embarked on what would become virtually a perpetual concert tour, spanning the planet time and again as he sought out simpatico fans for whom great music is its own reward. "What I realized is that most people don't really care what category music fits in," he asserts. "They're looking for good songs, sung from the heart. It's about melodies and lyrics and it just doesn't matter how traditional or contemporary they are. Those values are timeless."

For Michael, life on the road has had more than its share of rewards. "I was back home for maybe eight days last year, but I wouldn't have traded any amount of domestic bliss for the experience of performing before Prince Charles at the Royal Variety Show or selling out Sidney Opera House five nights running." Yet, at the same time, Michael has managed to stay in touch with his roots. "I took my grandfather to Italy with me on tour," he recounts. "It was my way of thanking him for opening my ears to so much great music. I've also had the incredible good fortune to get the support of Tony Bennett, who has gone out of his way to encourage me. He's my musical idol and having his seal of approval means so much."

Michael barely had a moment to catch his breath when, last summer, he began work in Los Angeles on the songs that would comprise It's Time. "I think the sessions really benefited from having come straight off the road into the studio," he explains. "Between David, Humberto Gatica and I, we were fanatical about getting just the right balance of songs to put on the record. There may be better pop singers and jazz singers out there, but nobody has as much passion for this music as I do and I think you can hear that on the record", added Bublé.

As a result It's Time is a dazzling tour de force, bringing together an extraordinary music gift with the hard won experience that comes from delivering great entertainment night after night, for music lovers anywhere and everywhere. "I am so ready to get out there again…and again and again. I love what I do," laughed Bublé. And so do we.