Jazz Articles about Ron Blake

Ron Blake: Shayari

by George Kanzler
February 13, 2008

There's an attention to sonic detail and aural space on tenor saxophonist Ron Blake's Shayari that would be more expected from the ECM label than from Detroit's Mack Avenue Records. But Mack Avenue, through Blake and his producer/pianist Michael Cain, has given us a CD strong on tone and mood, intimate and introverted without being lightweight or insubstantial. The intimacy flows from the instrumentation: All the tracks are trios save for three duos, and all but one scant-minute track feature ...

Ron Blake: Shayari

by Greg Camphire
December 30, 2007

Following excursions in the worlds of pop, funk and Latin music, saxophonist Ron Blake veers back towards jazz with Shayari, a series of acoustic duets and trios featuring a revolving lineup of A-list sidemen. Mixing up original compositions written or co-written by Blake along with a handful of standards, the album is a varied and well-paced collection of snapshots that capture where the young bandleader's head is currently at.

Blake's natural eclecticism serves him well on Shayari. Each instrumental grouping ...

Ron Blake: Sonic Tonic

by Terrell Kent Holmes
October 13, 2005

Sax man Ron Blake tapped various sources and influences for Sonic Tonic, most prominent of which involve his Caribbean roots. This album, expertly produced by Me'Shell NdegéOcello, also explores various other genres, and few beats are missed in the execution. The opening “Invocation, a tune in the finest tradition of John Coltrane's most spiritual works, is not as overwhelming or guttural, but certainly no less passionate. It begins with Christian McBride's hypnotic bass line and marches on ...

Ron Blake: Sonic Tonic

by Matt Cibula
June 17, 2005

Saxophonist Ron Blake has everything he needs to be a rising star on the jazz scene. He seems intelligent, he has chops for days, and his bald head/weird beard thing is an extremely marketable look. Blake is adventurous enough, which he proves by including a remix disc in the CD package. He even has famous friends like Me'shell NdegeOcello to produce his album. There's just one thing he might not have yet--but we'll get to that in a second.

Let's ...

Ron Blake's MUSIC T'REE Flourishes Across Genres

by Matt Merewitz
March 29, 2004

A radio host throws on one of Ron Blake's discs ' perhaps his latest effort for Detroit-based Mack Avenue Records, Lest We Forget. Chances are - you dig. But who was that? Many of you have seen or heard this saxophonist live or on record, but there is no name to go with a sound. Don't write him off. This cat is the choice reedman for such artists as Roy Hargrove, Christian McBride, and Art Farmer.

Blake was the name ...

Ron Blake: Lest We Forget

by AAJ Staff
November 22, 2003

Saxophonist Ron Blake first gained notice as a sideman with Roy Hargrove and later with Christian McBride. Now, with Lest We Forget , Blake demonstrates a refreshing maturity and individuality on both tenor and soprano saxophones. He possesses a huge, warm sound on both horns, with an attractive vibrato and an occational furry edge to his tone. He builds his improvisations thoughtfully, avoiding the displays of speed that so often tempt younger players, although he's all over the horn when ...

Ron Blake: Lest We Forget

by Matt Merewitz
November 21, 2003

Ron Blake’s latest effort on Detroit-based Mack Avenue Records is a dedication to the organ trio as an institution. In paying tribute to three legendary musicians he enlists the help of fellow Virgin Islander trumpeter Rawshawn Ross (five tracks) and guitarist David Gilmore (four tracks). The core of the trio is made up of three extraordinary musicians: organist Joey DeFrancesco, drummer Greg Hutchinson and bassist Christian McBride. Blake is in McBride’s group (appearing on the bassist's last two CDs) and ...