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Ron Blake: Lest We Forget
by AAJ Staff
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 ...
Continue ReadingRon Blake: Lest We Forget
by Matt Merewitz
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 ...
Continue ReadingRon Blake: Up Front and Personal
by David A. Orthmann
Up Front and Personal, tenor and soprano saxophonist Ron Blake’s long overdue debut as a leader, exhibits a healthy respect for the jazz tradition and a willingness to step into the future. The disc features Blake and a kinetic rhythm section consisting of pianist Shedrick Mitchell, bassist Reuben Rogers, and the drums and cymbals of Greg Hutchinson. This is an unusually cohesive band in which the members take obvious delight in inspiring one another. Tenor titan Johnny Griffin plays on ...
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