The variety of textures that Blake conjures from this ensemble is magic. The band sounds like a modern tango ensemble, a classical chamber group, a daring freak-folk string band, and a New Jazz outfit all at once or in turns.
—Will Layman
To Be Released May 1, 2026, the Second Album from Michael Blake’s Chroma Nova
International ensemble Chroma Nova announces their second album, Piccolos Before Rifles, the follow-up to their critically acclaimed 2023 debut, Dance of the Mystic Bliss.
The album’s title was sparked by a scene in Copenhagen, Denmark, where the Royal Life Guards Music Band makes its daily rounds. “Most often one hears a marching band before seeing it," notes the bandleader Michael Blake. “As I observed the flutes leading the way, followed by the rest of the band and then armed soldiers, it occurred to me that music plays a serious role in the act of war. It’s incredibly odd, considering music is commonly a proponent of peace and love." Drawing on Woody Guthrie’s “This machine kills fascists" mantra, the title reflects on the irony of using music to inspire violence.
The record blends modern jazz with elements of Brazilian rock and West African rhythms, further enriched by Michael’s imaginative arrangements. Central to the album’s direction is the leader's saxophone, which guides the music and establishes the emotional and structural framework through a series of commanding original compositions:
Formed in 2019, Chroma Nova includes Brazilians Rogerio Boccato, Guilherme Monteiro, and Gili Lopes, with Puerto Rican-American violinist Skye Steele. The album was engineered by Pat Dillet, mastered by Chris Gestrin, and produced by Blake.
International ensemble Chroma Nova announces their second album, Piccolos Before Rifles, the follow-up to their critically acclaimed 2023 debut, Dance of the Mystic Bliss.
The album’s title was sparked by a scene in Copenhagen, Denmark, where the Royal Life Guards Music Band makes its daily rounds. “Most often one hears a marching band before seeing it," notes the bandleader Michael Blake. “As I observed the flutes leading the way, followed by the rest of the band and then armed soldiers, it occurred to me that music plays a serious role in the act of war. It’s incredibly odd, considering music is commonly a proponent of peace and love." Drawing on Woody Guthrie’s “This machine kills fascists" mantra, the title reflects on the irony of using music to inspire violence.
The record blends modern jazz with elements of Brazilian rock and West African rhythms, further enriched by Michael’s imaginative arrangements. Central to the album’s direction is the leader's saxophone, which guides the music and establishes the emotional and structural framework through a series of commanding original compositions:
- “Elephant Crush" & “Lift Off": Previously released singles that introduce the record's sonic palette. Both tracks serve as tenor sax features, with “Elephant Crush" written specifically for the session and “Lift Off" captures an unbridled tenor sax improvisation.
- “Piccolos Before Rifles": The title track is inspired by American bassist and composer Charles Mingus, specifically echoing the elegiac depth of “Goodbye Pork Pie Hat." It is a narrative-driven composition conveying the raw atmospheric tension of a world on the brink of conflict—with a glimmer of hope.
- “Stone Cold Stan": A nod to tenor sax legend Stan Getz featuring an inquisitive soprano solo from the leader and Skye Steele on violin. The track utilizes metric modulation, counter-rhythms, and intervallic tension.
- “Mauritania": A rhythmic standout featuring Blake on flute. Composed in 5/4 time, the track is deeply inspired by the legendary Ali Farka Touré, bridging Saharan blues with the ensemble’s jazz sensibilities.
- “Temples" & “Black Taj": Inspired by a 2017 trip to India. “Temples" is a hypnotic, angular duet featuring the leader alongside guitarist Guilherme Monteiro. “Black Taj" closes the album—an ambient piece featuring the leader on alto flute and a tantalizing guitar solo.
Formed in 2019, Chroma Nova includes Brazilians Rogerio Boccato, Guilherme Monteiro, and Gili Lopes, with Puerto Rican-American violinist Skye Steele. The album was engineered by Pat Dillet, mastered by Chris Gestrin, and produced by Blake.
