John Blake Jr.: Motherless Child (2010)

Mark F. Turner

Senior Contributor since 2001

Considering himself a modern day 'Jazz Explorer' Mark continues to discover new and exciting music territories.

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Published: April 8, 2010

The precursor to the blues as a music form was first heard in the chants and songs of African American slaves. Their lyrics of hardship, perseverance, and faith were expressed through work songs, hymns, and spirituals, some of which are beautifully interpreted on John Blake Jr.'s Motherless Child.

Growing up in South Philadelphia, Blake had this influence placed within him at an early age through his exposure to church services. His mother played piano and organ, and together with the stirring sounds of singers, the sacred music forged lasting impressions. Its germination shaped his musical path, one that led the classically trained artist, world-class violinist, and educator in performances with pianist McCoy Tyner McCoy Tyner
b.1938
piano , the Duke Ellington Duke Ellington
1899 - 1974
piano Orchestra, the Turtle Island Quartet Turtle Island Quartet

band/orchestra , and a number of recordings as a leader. It also led to Blake's involvement in local community projects and global humanitarian efforts. This release lifts the spirit and swings anew via Blake's longtime working quartet (his son, drummer Johnathan Blake Johnathan Blake

drums , bassist Boris Koslov, and pianist Sumi Tonooka Sumi Tonooka
b.1956
piano ) and special guests that include the sublime Howard University jazz vocal ensemble, Afro Blue.

Blake's empathetic yet progressive arrangements of sacred music fits well with Afro Blue's stylish and pristine voices. They move in harmony on the updated version of the title track, Blake's violin singing soulfully and guest Manteca Manteca
delivering a virtuoso performance. "Go Down Moses" is heavenly; at one point, after the choir sings the verse, Blake's masterful bow lifts the time-weathered piece with a sonorous solo before the choir re-enters with some Ella Fitzgerald Ella Fitzgerald
1917 - 1996
vocal -style scatting and trading with Johnathan Blake Johnathan Blake

drums 's ardent traps.

The music's spirituality is undeniable but is never overwhelming. Blake's haunting intro to "A City Called Heaven" has the same impact that is present in John Coltrane John Coltrane
1926 - 1967
saxophone 's "A Love Supreme" with its sense of reawakening. Other pieces are also touching, such as "A Balm In Gilead" with vocals and arrangement by Evelyn Simpson-Curenton and "I Want Jesus To Walk With Me" where Afro Blue provides some classy vocalizations reminiscent of Take Six Take Six
. The music and songs in Motherless Child effectively honors the past and embraces the challenges of the present with optimism.

Track Listing: Motherless Child; Go Down Moses; A City Heaven (Violin Solo Intro); A City Heaven; A Balm In Gilead; Steal Away; Hold On; I Want Jesus To Walk With Me; Nobody Knows.

Personnel: John Blake Jr.: violin; Johnathan Blake: drums; Boris Kozlov: bass; Evelyn Simpson-Curenton: piano, vocals (5); Sumi Tonooka: piano (3, 4, 6, 7) Mulgrew Miller: piano (1, 8); Howard University Jazz Choir: Professor Connaitre Miller: Choir director; Danielle Withers: soprano one; Tonya Khakazi: soprano one; Rachel Robinson: soprano two; Eliza Berkon: alto one; Terri Davis: alto one, alto two; Christie Dashiell: alto two; Micah Robinson:tenor; Reginald Bowens: baritone; Alex McKeithen: bass; Brian Lawson: bass.

Record Label: ARC - Artists Recording Collective
Style: Straight-ahead/Mainstream