These are in absolutely NO order:
Steve Lacy, Sidney Bechet, Coltrane, Duke Ellington, Anthony Braxton, Wayne Shorter, Cecil Taylor, Jimmy Lyons, Stevie Wonder, Lutoslawski, Ligeti, Boulez, Bartok, Jason Eckardt, David Lang, Olivier Messiaen, Louis Armstrong, Charlie Parker, Stan Getz, David Liebman, Mike Sempert, Billy Joel, Danilo Perez, Jerry Bergonzi, Maurice Ravel, Henry Threadgill, Leo Genovese, Richie Barshay, Jorge Roeder, Jason Palmer, [Nat Mugavero!!!!!]
Dan Blake's debut album, "The Party Suite" was recently awarded ASCAP's 2005 Young Jazz Composer's Award. Hailed as one of the most prominent young musicians to come out of Boston's vibrant jazz scene, saxophonist and composer Dan Blake brings a new voice to the jazz tradition. Dan Blake has always been an individualist, moving easily between the roles of saxophonist and composer, as can be heard on his latest release The Party Suite.
PURCHASE THE PARTY SUITE AT http://www.cdbaby.com/danblake
The music has the edgy groove of Sidney Bechet's New Orleans sound, with the melodic inventiveness of Thelonious Monk, and the gritty, bluesy sophistication of Charles Mingus. With two saxophones stating melodies that attract listeners both familiar and unfamiliar with jazz, The Party Suite is, "Contemporary without the boring stuffiness associated with modern music." (Tufts Daily, 2005) Celebrating the release of his ambitious recording project, saxophonist and composer Dan Blake recently celebrated his Party Suite at Cambridge's Zeitgeist Gallery on 16 November, 2005, bringing a unique voice to the Boston jazz scene.
Hey Dan!! I'm really enjoying the new tunes you have up. Especially the Quintet for Woodwinds. Your compositions have really evolved nicely. Hope things are going well.
I've just posted some new music on my page: the premiere performance of my cantata, "This is the Hour of Lead," for baritone/countertenor and chamber ensemble. I hope you'll stop by and have a listen!
How's business besides? You around for the holidays? This elusive drink needs to happen soon.
