Ron Blake, feat. Reuben Rogers & John Hadfield: SCRATCH Band

There several interesting features that single out saxophonist Ron Blake's new recording with what he refers to as his SCRATCH Band. First, the Puerto Rican-born Blake, best known for his work on tenor saxophone, plays baritone sax on five of the album's nine numbers, tenor sax on only three, tenor and soprano (separately) on one of his four original compositions, "Appointment." Second, the SCRATCH Band is actually a duo with bassist Reuben Rogers on four tracks, a trio with drummer and percussionist John Hadfield sitting in on the others.

The term "SCRATCH band," Blake writes, refers to "a tradition of folk music performed by storytellers and groove makers in the community [he] grew up with in the Virgin Islands." Blake has clearly taken that custom to heart, as he is a first-rate storyteller on every horn. He is also a stellar groove maker, as are his able companions, Rogers and Hadfield. The grooves they tend to favor, however, are for the most part medium-tempo and easygoing, with "Appointment" the lone outlier, trotting at a relatively brighter and more rapid pace.

Besides "Appointment," Blake also wrote "Grace Ann," "Song for Maya" and "April's Fool," none of which raises the over-all temperature above moderate. Completing the program are Winston Bailey's "Bassman," Roy Hargrove's "Another Level," Quelvis Cruz's "La Conga de Juana," the standard "Body and Soul" and the inspiring anthem "Lift Every Voice and Sing." Rogers' robust bass plays a prominent role on "Body and Soul," "Level," "Grace Ann" and "Song for Maya," on which he and Blake perform sans Hadfield.

The drums add weight and color on the opening "Bassman," "Lift Every Voice," "Appointment" and the closing numbers, "La Conga de Juana" and "April's Fool," on each of which Blake unlimbers his soulful baritone, which brings to mind Serge Chaloff, Cecil Payne and Nick Brignola, among others. As a showcase for Blake's warmth and versatility, the SCRATCH Band serves its purpose well, and it rests easily on the ears while marshaling a hearty and appetizing banquet. Just do not expect any fireworks.