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David Blake: Fun House
ByBlake wrote all but two of the session's nine generally upbeat numbers; the others are Bailey-Mai's introspective "Where's There," and Billy Strayhorn & Duke Ellington's exquisite "Single Petal of a Rose" (performed a cappella by Blake). Solos are rather evenly divided, with Turner providing breezy counterpoint while Good and Arai oversee the rhythm with ardor and assurance. Blake's tone is pleasinga definite assetand he solos astutely, relying for the most part on melodious single-note runs.
Blake writes basically the same way, with engaging melodies in the forefront, underscored by intricate harmonies and shifting time signatures. The ensemble is with him all the way, twisting and turning as required to breathe life into his sunlit compositions, starting with the good-natured "Jon, No Jon" and continuing through "Devil Stick," "Play Dead," "Flowers for Kenny," "Bernie Does It," "Fun House" and "All to Say." "Fun House" is especially buoyant, with solos to match by Blake, Bailey-Mai, Good and Arai leading to the gentle finale, "All to Say."
This is a very good session, one with a number of engaging high spots and persuasive blowing by Blake and his companions. The quintet design suits him well.
Track Listing
Jon, No Jon; Devil Stick; Play Dead; Where’s There; Flowers for Kenny; The Single Petal of a Rose; Bernie Does It; Fun House; All to Say.
Personnel
Album information
Title: Fun House | Year Released: 2022 | Record Label: Cellar Records
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David Blake
Album Review
Jack Bowers
Fun House
Cellar Records
Thad Bailey-Mai
Brad Turner
Conrad Good
Bernie Arai
Billy Strayhorn
duke ellington