Embracable Me

The Year of the Dragon starts early for me!

2012-01-11T08:08:00.000-08:00

NewYear's has landed and for me it came in at 55bar in NYC's west village with one of my favorite bands: The Brooklyn Boogaloo Blowout! Now that I see the chinese new year coming along I'm even more excited becasue I am a dragon and it is our year! This one kicks off with a reunion of one of my favorite works "Kingdom of Champa". Recorded by Scotty Hard, produced by Teo Macero, this critically acclaimed debut album put me on the map. The story, the vibe and the musicianship all adds up to a hair raising journey. The suite will be played at Milano's Manzoni Theater on Sunday, January 22nd at 11am as part of their Appertivo in Concert series. Already 500 tickets sold and counting...!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=49Vwe3hs-NA&context=C3bd10a8ADOEgsToPDskKNQi_KudlspcuNJP-Lm9H8

My interview with Lifegate radio will be on air Sunday, January 15th at 11am and Monday, January 16th at 7pm.

Kingdom of Champa with: Michael Blake (tenor and soprano saxophones), Nicole Mitchell (flute). Clark Gayton (tbone). David Tronzo (gtr), Steven Bernstein (tpt), Bryan Carrott (vibes), Rufus Cappadoccia (cello), Tony Scherr (bass). Billy Martin (drums/perc), Hamid Drake (drums/perc)

Last weekend my band Hellbent participated in NYC's Winterjazz Festival. This event, co-produced by Brice Rosenbloom and Adam Schatz, showcases a wide variety of creative music. The NY Times review emphasizes that this is not a corporate sponsored event and in fact the only plug was for Six Point brewery in Brooklyn where a group of musicians (including myself) infused the signature jazz brew. So here we have a festival devoted to non commercial music, employing hundreds of musicians (jazz, free, improvisors, rock, hiphop) supported by a large audience who get it all for a reasonably priced ticket. I admit the music business is a mess, the recording industry is a mess and music intellectual property rights/distribution is a huge mess BUT we musicians are doing it, promoters and directors are doing it and people are going out to hear it! Makes me proud. You can see how much in this picture.

Hellbent at Winterjazz: Charlie Burnham, Marcus Rojas, Calvin Weston, Steven Bernstein, Michael Blake

There are a few other dates happening early this year (you can peruse my Upcoming Gigs list for more info) but a highlight will certainly be Ben Allison's Band at Zankel Hall on February 3rd at 10pm. I have played on probably half a dozen of Ben's albums and we have been close friends and collaborators for 2 decades so I am honored to participate in this, our Carnegie Hall debut!

Also in 2012 my new CD "The Variety Hour" will be released on Songlines Recordings. I am so happy with the results of this album! The band is based in Vancouver (a town ripe with talent) featuring new compositions played by Dylan Ven der Schyff (drums), JP Carter (tpt) and Chris Gestrin (rhodes/moog). I'll be sending out more info as we get closer to a release date.

More CD's expected out this year with drummers Tommaso Cappellato (trio w/ Stefano Senni on bass) and Scott Neumann (trio w/ Mark Helias on bass) as well as the Michael Bates/Samuel Blaser Quintet.

Thank you all for your support!

Zambia!

2011-11-03T07:14:00.000-07:00

I'm going to finish up the 'Weirdest Gigs' list another time. Right now I must share photos, clips and stories from Zambia where my brother Paul and his partner Sitali were recently married. Afterwards we took a trip South to Livingstone to experience Africa at it's best.

The Zambezi River

Downtown Lusaka near the train station.
I haven't been face to face with expreme poverty like this since I went to Vietnam in 1995.

In consideration of the immense poverty and callenges facing it, this is a good time for Zambia and its people which founded it's independence in 1964. We were there for independece day. The copper belt -which it once relied on (along with a impressive rail network) - isn't producing the same revenue it once had and so there is more development now in education (Lusaka hosts a large University) and the presevation of it's natural resouces. Tourism is big business. Zambians practice free elections, have a proud history of democracy and enjoy spectacular natural wonders, most famous of all is Victoria Falls (shared w Zimbabwe), the mighty Zambezi river and incredible wildlife which is protected and extremely accesible. I would know as on our first night in Livingstone me, my bro and some friends were treated to an exciting taxi ride at night on a dirt road through a family of elephants. The driver said it was important not to surprise them, then he turned on his lights and gunned it, narrowly missing the calf and running off the road. If he had made an error in judgment (since when was driving between a baby elephant and it's parents a sign of good judgement?) then we surely would have been made into puree. So glad our kids and mother weren't along for that ride. But I did admire our drivers tenacity for adventure and putting his and his passengers lives on the line. We never got as close to an elephant after that but we did feel the ground shake as a herd of them came running towards us a few days later while on safari. That safari driver turned around quite suddenly so we assumed they were coming after us. This was an amazing sight - to see them run! - and to think we may be trampled at any moment only added to the thrill.

After we rounded a bend in the road I got some other footage of this one towing the rear.

The first dance

The wedding was in Lusaka October 22nd. in a stunning Anglican church. I won't talk too much about the wedding because that really is Paul and Sitali's story to tell. But I will say that I almost laid an egg when I left my soprano sax - which i was to play at the ceremony with the RINGS inside the case - in the taxi that took us to the church! Our Mum deserves kudos for keeping her cool and helping me from totally freaking out. Thankfully I was able to get someone from the church to ring the lodge, who rang the dispatch, who rang the driver, who saw the sax case in the back of his taxi but apparently did not feel it necessary to return it to it's rightful owner until given permission. After some appropriate tipping everything was simpatico. Somehow, though on the brink of collapse everything worked out fine. That's how a lot of things seem to go in Zambia: friendly folks politely wait for someone else to give them approval so stuff is often done in a delicate and thoughtful yet painstaking slow manner. For ex. watching the staff at the Livingstone lodge prepare toast was like a scene from Fawlty Towers. There's a lack of training that is kind of quaint and people are so sincere and well meaning one never gets too worked about it. Best to surrender and enjoy the long waits by reading and drinking a fine Castle lager. Although in the tradition of the Brits I drank Gin and Tonics....refreshing!

Upstream from the falls we took a cruise on the African Queen

After the wedding we flew to Livingstone. It was a small plane and a bumpy decent which the kids loved. On the day we arrived we took a river safari on the Zambezi River - on the African Queen no less - where we enjoyed the view and the open bar!

Drifting on the current

Merle relaxing with family and friends

Hippos cool off by the banks of the Zambezi

The next day we went to Victoria Falls which really was an amazing experience for all of us. Although it was extremely hot (tempertures averaged 100degrees) we took in as much as possible.

Victoria Falls in the dry season

Trying to keep the boy cheery in the intense heat

It worked!

Paul and Davita are brave enough to sit at the precipice of this massive gorge

This is as close to the edge as I would go

Years of erosion created these fascinating fractal like shapes in the riverbed. Although the falls wasn't at it's glory we were thrilled to hike the riverbed and bath in the pools. You can see the Zambezi Bridge in the background. That's Zimbabwe on the other side.

Another view of the bridge. No bunge jumpers today

Our greatest adventure still lay ahead of us: A safari through the bush in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park!

We hiked into this restricted territory where the guards protect the white rhinos from poachers

Perhaps my favorite picture of the trip was of this Boabab Tree

Zebras

Our beautiful journey comes to an end but the memories will live forever!

Cutting to the chase. Top 10 Weirdest Gigs Ever

2011-09-18T06:49:00.000-07:00

5. 1987, working with an Elvis impersonator out of Surrey, BC. This guy had pipes! And was a super nice dude. Every week I'd drive out to the burbs to this pub to play with him and his band. They rocked and I had a great time. About 3 weeks into it I noticed he would always disappear on breaks and one day I noticed him in the parking lot sitting in a Honda Civic. Just the sight of a guy dressed like 70's Elvis in a little car was weird enough. Then he invited me in to partake in a little of BC's finest export. I didn't want to seem rude so I partook and then went into a a 'Big Lebowski-ish' dream sequence while Elvis talked to me about stuff, in his Honda Civic.

The Top 10 Weirdest Gigs I Ever Played

2011-09-12T10:14:00.000-07:00

10. My first gig as a professional Union card carrying member was for the Sikh Parade in Vancouver, Canada. I was 19 years old. We were hired to lead the parade but why they asked for a jazz band I'll never know. As we took off for the route in the back of a pick up truck it became clear people were as surprised as we were. Turbaned and Saried parade goers lined the street and we crawled by playing... St Thomas. Not exactly a Raga. Perhaps a few jazz classics were also explored. I believe I thought John Coltrane's India was appropriate but I can't remember if we played it. After about 2 hrs we stopped for a while and the bassist and I were desperate to pee so we put down our instruments and ducked into the closest diner. When we returned the parade had commensed and we couldn't even see the front so we had to run to catch up with our friends. They were on the floor laughing while we were out of breath and sweating with anxiety. Well at least I was! It was my first 'real' gig and I didn't want to blow it. I believe the band was with Ken Lister (bass), Ron Samworth (gtr and leader) and there was a drummer too. Now I'm sure Ron would have better sense to hire a brass band instead.

Louis CK on TV

2011-09-05T16:08:00.000-07:00

Ever since I was a kid I loved watching TV. I started out watching the classic 70's sitcoms like MTM, All In the Family, Bob Newhart and MASH. When i was about 10 we lived with my Grandparents for a bit and my Grandpa set up a big comfy chair in the basement (in the storage room) with a b&w TV so he could watch what he wanted without me bothering him. Oh the joys I had eating pepperroni sticks, cheesies, and drinking way to much OJ while watching classic crap like Happy Days and Laverne and Shirley. I could also watch pretty much whatever I wanted and sometimes - if i could stay up late enough - the odd program would be broadcast in which I would get to see (oh joy for a pubescent lad) breasts! Sometimes there was also B movie violence and cool stuff that the Canadian censors would miss.

Recently I think 30Rock and a few other shows like The Office and Parks and Recreation have come up with some pretty funny stuff but nothing has really grabbed me like Louis CK's new show Louis.

About a year ago I watched his standup special and laughed alot. OK there's some gross stuff and as with most comedians he is pretty crude. He is also incredibly honest and revealing about things in life that are hard to swallow. But in line with one of my favorite comedians of all time - George Carlin - there's an intelligence and bitter snap that really captures the frustrations of life while tickling the funny bone. Like him, I miss my kids when I'm on the road but I never have enough work....etc. It's all so close to home. The guy hit the BULLSEYE with me.

The thing about the show I really dig is that it is so NYC. For ex. the episode Subway/Pamela in which at the beginning he captures a few moments in the subway - the beauty and the beast - and then he ties that same experience into a skit in which he confesses his love for his friend Pamela who shoots him down. Then - on a whim after a very awkward spell - she invites him to take a bath. But he is so caught up in feeling bad from being shot down he misses the invitation and totally blows any chance at hooking up with this woman, who he really loves. It is a really funny yet heartwrenching true to life story and some of the best TV comedy I've seen in a long time. The scenes are highlighted with good music - mostly jazz - and it's thrown in, not just to add lightness but to frame the scenes. Unlike Sienfeld I actually like the characters on this show and respect Louis' efforts to rise above his failures and find contentment despite being a somewhat broken man. Without loosing its edge it still has heart and it is also smart. Impressive for a one man show as Louis is both writer and director.

This article in the NY Times seems pretty right on to me. Check it out on FX, Hulu or rent/stream it on Netflix.

My Pal

2011-06-26T16:17:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Rick Moody for this essay on the wrong done to my former boss - musician/actor/artist John Lurie - in the New Yorker article written by Tad Friend last summer. He does a great job of unveiling the shoddy journalism and vapid reporting that 'profiles' everything about John except what he is really about. I wrote a rather pissy blog after reading the NYer piece as it made me incredibly sad. But moody reveals the best in John and it reminded me of the many things i love so dearly about him. And as you can see John's paintings are really beautiful. In the past months I've spoken to a lot of former Lizards about playing a festival of his music. There are still more musicians i need to speak with so that everyone is included. I hope we can pull this off next spring in NYC.

And while I'm at it, my suite Kingdom of Champa - composed in 1995 while travelling in Vietnam with my first wife - will be performed in Milano in January of 2012! It's been 15 years since I've played the work. The compositions were inspired by my tenure and the musicians I got to work with in the Lizards. I'll write an in depth blog about that when it gets closer. So many trips ahead - Vancouver, Italy, Poland and then Zambia!

The Beatnik

2011-06-08T06:55:00.000-07:00

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My Vigil

2011-04-10T16:03:00.000-07:00

Like many musicians, I have spent a better part of my life playing my own music, striving for an unimaginable goal - it's not the ends, it's the means. sometimes I get caught up in the politics and bizarre ebb and flow that the artform we call Jazz fuels. If you are involved in improvised music it is almost impossible to avoid the frustrations of this business. Understandably there's lots of sour grapes out there and it's unbecoming to air them in public. But this isn't about that. Let's face it, all of the jazz folk are really in the same boat thinking the same thing - let's keep this thing from sinking! But sometimes I feel like Howard Beals in Network (RIP Sidney Lumet) and I wanna open my window and yell, "I'm mad as hell and I'm not going to take it anymore!". I will let him do the ranting for me.

I saw this clip last night and I realized a couple of things. First of all, as much as I love the John Coltrane Quartet and each and every member of his band, by this time, they were not able to keep up with their leader. And don't get me wrong, they are playing really well here. It's not just his band. After this, all musicians trying to play jazz were forever going to be revisitng the same material in one way or another. The shear devoutness present in his playing is a message to everyone: It's all over. The music is now in the hands of 'The Universe". How can this be the same guy who honked the blues on 'Castle Rock' for Johnny Hodges or made up Giant Steps? It's beyond everything that came before it.

I was 17 years old when I discovered him and I was convinced Trane's music was a personal message from him to me. I thought I had a responsibility to express this message throughout my life. I know that sounds crazy but I was only 17 and very influenced by what I was hearing. I thought Giant Steps was a fun exercise that JC had to experiment with in order to discover his true potential. By 1965 - only 6 years later - it is asymilated into his ideas but it's only a particle; the bigger picture has eclipsed harmonic exercises and something else is going on. Something beyond what Charlie Parker ever imagined and only 10 years after his death! Bird's efforts didn't fall on deaf ears. His pupil John Coltrane took his innovations and in his own manner he took these ideas to another dimension. I think there is a very clear and simple message here: This is music of the Universe. Even Elvin and McCoy look a little stunned. Now what? Where is he taking us? Coltrane blasted off and he never looked back. Are you ready for this? Sounds to me like Mr Coltrane new his time on this planet was short and after 20 years of messing around he wasn't gonna waste any more of it by playing through exercises, over tin pan alley ballads or even his own famous compositions. Although Naima comes up every so often. He is 38yrs old and he has scerosis of the liver. He's probably already feeling pretty sick but this performance is super human. Is he telling us all to move on? If so, why didn't we?

I wanted to discuss the incredible spiritual and emotional impact from this era of Trane's music. I don't mean to be disrespectful, but when I hear fellow musicians talk about the classic years like 1956-60 I gotta wonder what the hell they are hearing from that period that compares to this? This is my opinion but as much as i enjoy his post bop edge and that development into 'sheets of sound', i think he really found his groove in the early 60's. OK, he wasn't exactly hung out to dry by Sonny Rollins on Tenor Madness but it seems (hindsight is 20/20) that Sonny has more to say at that particular time. As long as Coltrane played music that was an extension of earlier traditions, I don't think anyone would have taken nearly as much notice of him. But he didn't stick to the rules and thankfully he went way beyond what any 'jazz is swing and the blues, without that you don't have jazz' idealist can comprehend. I subscribe to that philosphy too. I love Jazz and the history. I love the artists who sealed the cracks and blew 2nd alto for 30years in some band and was never acknowledged by the media. Jazz is great. Don't get me wrong, I love Jazz.

But this isn't Jazz. It's a shame that creative music hasn't been properly displayed to the public in a manner that would have separated it from its' sister artform of Jazz. I will avoid the word 'market'. Because this is creative music - for the creator - and not an easy sell. We were given a gift. And what a gift he gave us! It is as clear and profound today as it was 45 years ago.

No One Will Miss Hearing Me Scream

2011-01-21T10:09:00.000-08:00

Recently I have been exploring a synthetic reed made by a Canadian Company called Legere. The science behind this reed is amazing and in the last few years I've hardly ever gone back to cane. Yesterday I was asked to endorse their reeds which I can with absolute conviction. I played their product on Hellbent and Ben Allison's recent album and pretty much every gig I've done since 2007.

How is it possible to convey to the average joe how frustrating, time consuming, financially crushing but ultimately rewarding the search for a good reed is. Fortunately my days of freaking out over lost income being spent on pieces of wood, no larger than a stick of gum but worth anywhere between 50cents and $5 each, is over. Before I rave and rant about the challenges involved, let's give you a little history about the reed.

The Brown Box
Rico has got to be the most common reed in most of our lives. Those of us who grew up playing a sax or clarinet in band will remember this brand. And many jazz greats played (and still play) this reed. The way it was packaged in the old days (and i believe it was like this for decades) was a simple brown box w 25 reeds that were separated by paper dividers. It was easy to open and sift through. The thing I liked the most was the artificial woodgrain graphic on the box. The strengths were inconsistent but at such a cheap price it didn't matter. Most of them played and the ones that didn't made for excellent tongue depressors. But for those who required a higher end product there's the Rico 'Royal'. Made for the fancy pants who can't hang with the rough cut. Here's what we sound like while we wet our reed and talk about the musical selection at hand, "Yu shoun gud buh ma nintonation isha liddle hoff."

Too Much Packaging
But seriously, after rico switched packaging their original product took a nose dive and it was never the same. And like the dreaded CD wrapping, the packaging made it harder to access the product. Eventually almost everyone started making individually packaged reeds. The damn reeds were entombed and segregated from each other. How is it that a beautiful, organic product made from giant cane plants that grow in tepid climates, ends up in a non recyclable, plastic case which is then wrapped in a plastic wrapper before being shrink wrapped in a box? So we have to get through 4 layers of shit to get the freaking reed out!

Survival of the Fittest
When you finally do find a great reed it's a challenge to keep it 'alive'. The tip needs to stay wet and the body of the reed can't warp or it's game over. So you learn tricks. Some guys soak them in water for a while before they play them. Some leave them in water when they aren't playing them. I know a guy who spent hours cutting his own reeds. My father once told me that oboe players were all a little crazy because of the back pressure from their reeds. Now all of us clarinet and saxophone players know we have it easy next to those double reed players. In most cases they have to make their own reeds. For any of you who don't know what a double reed is, you're reading way to much of this blog. Just kidding, it's when you take a reed and tie it to another reed so instead of the reed vibrating against a mouthpiece, the cane vibrates against each other. It's for instruments like the oboe, bassoon, english horn, shenai, etc...Some people collect their unused reeds and build a sculpture which is then put to much better use as a magazine stand or some such thing. I've left some reeds in a dark cool place for years and like a good bottle of wine, as they age, they improve.

Origins of a Reedman
I started on clarinet when I was about 14. I got completely hooked on playing the clarinet as often as i could. Despite private lessons and school band classes, i was learning more about music by playing along to records than I was from books. I had taken piano lessons but I sucked and never practiced. Why were there so many keys and clefs and rhythms? When i heard music it didn't sound as complicated as it looked...and I was just trying to play me some Billy Joel! Well, Don't Go Changing is in Bmajor which, when you're 11yrs old, is not a great key to learn pop harmony in. But once I got that clarinet in my face (oral fixation in affect) I didn't want to put it down. The only problem was, when the reed chipped and got too soft, I had to dig into my pocket and buy more reeds. Then, as I struggled to find one that played, I would go through a personality change somewhat similar to Dr Jeckyll and Mr Hyde. Imagine my Mum getting home from work: A single mother, paying for clarinet lessons to keep her son happy (and off the pipe - another oral fixation) but instead she hears another sound coming from his bedroom. It's not Mozart or Brahms. No, it's not even Benny Goodman. It's more like toot, toot, tweet, SQUEEK!...and again and again. Until....from the dark recesses of her pubescent son's room, she would hear,

"F*!K THESE CRAPPY REEDS, I'M GOING TO LOOSE MY MIND!!!"

So, Legere, thank you for making my life and so many other woodwind players, a little easier. No longer will I be heard cursing out my reeds on stage. No longer will I be flinging them on the floor in disgust at rehearsal. And no longer will I be the butt of another 'How many saxophonists does it take to screw in a lightbulb?" joke.

Answer: just one but he has to go through 10 boxes to find one that works.

Hellbent is selected as Best of 2010!

2010-12-31T14:41:00.000-08:00

I am so proud to announce my CD Hellbent was chosen as one of the Best Albums of 2010 by All About Jazz NY. Many thanks to Steven Bernstein, Marcus Rojas and Calvin Weston (who recorded it!) for their brilliant contributions to this live album. Also to Andre Henkin and Laurence Donahue-Greene at AAJNY for their tireless support of our music!

In a week or so I'll update you with news and prophesies. Until then...

Happy New Year!

The Musketer Festival takes me to Copenhagen and beyond...!

2010-12-20T08:22:00.000-08:00

Less than a week ago, while trying to organize next years schedule I sent an email to good friend and long time collaborator Kresten Osgood about playing in 2011. His reply came wrapped in an early christmas gift - an invitation to be the guest artist at his celebrated Musketer Festival and the next day I was on a plane bound for beautiful Kobenhaven! OK, a little background on this...I actually subbed for Chicago tenor legend Kidd Jordan who was subbing for another legend. Alas, I ended up being the 'old jazz' guy. Awesome! This is the 5th Edition and to document the massive and intense event was another New Yorker - Editor of All About Jazz NY - Laurence Donohue-Greene. So now I had a ton of old Danish friends to see and play with and an English speaking buddy to talk about it all with. Everyone in Denmark and most of Scandinavia speak English but in most cases the announcements, lyrics and poetry were in Danish.

On Thursday, December 16 I arrived blurry eyed at Kastrup and was met by the kind and lovely Kaja who got me to the orientation meeting. Two other organizers, Martin and Morten, helped make this happen with Kresten. I'd estimate there were well over 100 musicians involved, representing the heart of the Danish (and international) scene. For three nights Kresten introduced artists that performed in groups, solo, duos, etc and tutti as well. An amazing array of music unfolded.

After a blast from his horn, Musketer founder and host, Kresten Osgood, kicks off the first night. There was an almost giddy feeling in the Huset where the event is appropriately housed. It's hard to describe the unfolding and capture 24hrs of creative music. So, I'll leave that to Laurence. But let me express how welcoming and warm the scene is here. Slightly lost on my way to the venue (jetlag and the snowfall), US born tenor player Ned Ferm found me drifting among the flakes and led me to the stage. Ned is an incredible musician and one of my favorite people. We played together a lot that night, varying from totally free improvised parts to more swinging jam tunes and everything in between. With Ned it's always about the search and surprise and sound. I was back in Copenhagen among friends, old and new! As it was the first night, I let my guard down and drank a lot of Havana Club and I've forgotten a lot of what happened that night. Man, that is some good rum! Can't get it in America of course as it's Cuban.

My long time partner in Blake Tartare Soren Kjaergaard was around the first night as well and played some beautiful improvisations. Here he is before a version of Blue n' Boogie that featured three generations of tenor saxophonists. That's drummer Anders Provis (he played ghost percussion on Hammond Rens) smiling behind him.

The second night began with a take on Roland Kirk's "Rip, Rig and Panic!", with Kresten's long standing jazz group featuring multi reedist Jesper Loevdal and Thomas Vang on bass. Jesper owns my old Conn 10M which showed up on the very last piece of the festival in the hands of Kresten, who doesn't exactly play tenor but I was happy to see it again and among friends. Loevdal is an incredible tenor player in his own right and another old friend. I sometimes get the feeling he holds on to that old Conn for me because he knows I'd like to have it back again one day. Regardless, he's another reason why CPH rocks the free world. There was also a terrific band called Girls in Airports doing their take on Fela/Ethiopiques. I really enjoyed these guys and I appreciated hearing music that I was immersed in some years ago presented in a fresh light.

Here's a few folks...in the blur I recognize tenors Mette Henriette and Francesco Bigoni. Sorry about the quality...iPhone at night and indoors. This night was really incredible and I especially enjoyed hearing an all woman improv choir called Iki. So much music that night and I was not into the rum. But again, we'll let the real writer recap the details.
I'll discuss the more personal aspects of the evening. The first set lasted for over 4 hrs!!! That night's music lasted until 5am. Oh, there was a brilliant alto saxophonist who is really unique named Jesper Zeuthen. I have to describe his sound and approach as 'cold' but that's not because it doesn't have soul. He is so personal in his vibrato and presentation and it is very Nordic. So in this case by cold I mean something completely different. I believe this is music resulting from the socialist based infrastructure that Denmark provides its citizens. I wish I could put aside the day to day struggle to survive and put in a few years to nurture only creative music. But that is not where I live and even in Canada I wouldn't be able to survive for long doing this. Regardless, just to be part of that environment inspired me to think about things in a different way. The Musketer Festival gives back a lot!

The snow continued to fall on Saturday and it was absolutely gorgeous. I've been in cph many times and in all seasons but this was really special. I got in a visit with Soren Friis who manages Stunt Records and their outlet Jazzcup Cafe. We exchanged some CD's and a very good cup of traditional Danish Spiced Wine. My last night of Musketeering was more relaxed and very enjoyable. There was another three tenor piece - this time with the incredibly strong Swedish legend Thomas Frank and Ned also got in on this. Thank god I wasn't alone up there! I led a fun segue between Stevie Wonder's " Living for the City" and my folk tune "Lonely Cowboy" and another Tartare, Jonas Westergaard made it up for that. More highlights: jumping in on Morten's funk jam, a poet featuring a double tenor exchange between me and Loevdal and the grand finale was a ball! Kresten deserves serious hugs and kisses for making this happen!

THANK YOU KRESTEN and THANK YOU COPENHAGEN!!!!!www.aaj-ny.com

2010-11-23T09:40:00.000-08:00

Blake Tartare at Chez Hanny in San Francisco. Frank Hanny hosts a home series highlighting jazz artists from all over the country. We played the Earshot Jazz Festival and Vancouver's Cellar (will never forget that late night Scrabble match!) before arriving in CA. It was a terrific experience and a great reunion. As always pianist Soren Kjaergaard and bassist Jonas Westergaard made me proud. Ben Perowsky sat in for Kresten Osgood behind the drums and made everything sound beautiful. I was a very happy band leader. The band indulged in some great Sushi in Vancouver and we ate well the whole tour.

(photo right) Myself and Frank Hanny at his sunday salon series. Not only does Frank have great taste in music (ahem...) he also has a terrific collection of pin-up art and vinyl. While talking to Torben Ulrich (who wrote liner notes for my Lucky Thompson tribute album) Frank played a fantastic CD by Jimmy Cleveland featuring Lucky at his best. I was in heaven listening to Torben recollect about Lucky while having my mind blown by Lucky's incredible tenor solo playing out of the stereo. We managed to hit The Mission that evening for a burrito but the best Mex was yet to come...

The day after this afternoon concert we drove through the Napa Valley on route to Arcata. It was one of the most beautiful drives I've ever taken. We stopped in Ukiah at Los Jalos, a local Taqueria that was amazing. That night we played at the Redwood Jazz Alliance concert for another enthusiastic audience. I finally got some sleep that night. The jetlag from the China trip was brutal and I went 3 days without sleep before my body finally settled down. It was to my benefit that my girlfriend Meredith Walters met us in SF and helped me with the driving.

Me, Meredith and Ben at Los Jalos

After Arcata the weather turned nasty and we had a very long drive ahead of us at night, in pouring rain, through the redwoods on a twisty turny road. Meredith totally came through and we arrived back in Ukiah safe and sound. But the Taqueria was closed! Just down the road was Be-Bops. Check out the sign (sorry the lights were off but you can still see how gorgeous this diner is). I mean, we're talking Arnold's from Happy Days here. But they were closing and it looked like we were going to hit a Denny's. Soren, however took the initiative to beg the cook to restart the grill and after much pleading, he did! This is what came next: the best milkshakes, burgers, onion rings and fries i've ever eaten. Ukiah may not be the most fashionable town in CA but they got some good eats.

What a spread! Massive pig out at Be Bops. The land of 10,000 calories per meal. A terrific finale to an incredible tour

China Trip: Epilogue

2010-10-28T21:16:00.000-07:00

On our way from Hong Kong to Gangzhou our host Peter Scherr takes over the train.

Teddy Kumpel takes a stance in Shenzen. This town is only about 30 years old and this arts zone in an old industrial park is really lovely. Plus there was a Starbucks within 5mins of our hotel. Perhaps that sounds pathetic but I do go to Italy a lot and as you know the coffee is pretty happening.

Back in Hong Kong, we're recording an album at Peter's house. He's built a fantastic studio there and we're working hard. Well not too hard that we don't enjoy he and his wife Cindy's hospitality. They live in a protected Animal Park strewn with domectic villages. Saw cows and dogs for the most part but today there was a monkey. Reminds me of a story from when I took a masterclass with Miles Davis alumni Dave Liebman. In an edgy and somewhat discouraging manner he told us that, "Even a monkey could learn to play the saxophone." Considering I bit my lip really bad at lunch, I think this guy might be just the cat..errr candidate for the job.

China Trip 3

2010-10-28T20:34:00.000-07:00

Our host Steven in Qing Dao. He is managing the coolest venue in China and has been an expat for more than 20 years. Hey, just like me except I can't speak Mandarin and I have developed this odd habit of adding 'W's' to my vowels. My brother has posted some video from our show which leads you to the venue Creative 100, the accompanying arts magazine Red Star 401 and the Tectonic Quartet!

Steven and his friend Wendy took us for a walk through the old Germantown. Qing Dao or Tsing Tao (a familiar name to all you beer drinkers) got handed over to the Japanese during the Treaty of Versailles. There was a student uprising and soon after the chinese reclaimed their city.

Along the beach were about a dozen couples getting their wedding photos taken. Check out the boat prop.

Tommy joins a wedding party. Pretty sly dude, so how was the banquet? What kind of beer did they serve. Oh...stupid question.

Now that's a piano! But what the hell is it doing in the domestic departure terminal at the airport? I feel for that pianist, or maybe ti was automated which makes one wonder, who sat in the red chairs?

Changsha has a hip venue called Freedom House which I posted about on FB a few days ago. Here's a shot of the view from nearby our hotel. It was a grim and damp morning. As you can see the buildings are looking pretty shabby and we saw some - only 10 years old - rusting from lack of upkeep. There sure appears to be a lot of veneer along with this economic boom. Like Ikea furniture, it looks good to start but after a while the lack of quality shows through. But I guess even Rockefeller Center would look drab if they didn't spit and polish it.

So while I wandered Changsha in search of coffee I found this sign nestled in the corner of a vast department store. What is jazz to the Chinese and will they embrace it and develop the patience to enjoy it's rewards? I'd say 'YES!' But we are paving the way over here folks. All I can tell you is that the people are friendly and kind, the services functional and the experience was one I'll never forget.
Thank you to everyone for making this tour happen and for supporting us along the way!!!
Xièxiè!!!

China Trip 2

2010-10-28T19:54:00.000-07:00

A park in Hangzhou. Lots of folks wandering the gardens which were beautiful and a nice break from the urban density we had been exposed to for the previous days.

Then we went to Suzhou and had a terrific stay which included a much needed day off. Some of you may know of my debut CD 'Kingdom of Champa' and this kitchen shack reminded me of that trip. Enterprising folk making it happen where ever and when ever they can.

The Bookworm Cafe in Suzhou. Alexis our host manages a terrific space here. Intimate and friendly as it's name implies. After our set we jammed with a local band. Pretty much some of the funniest jazz I've ever heard in my life. It was recorded for posterity and may come to surface someday. Teddy and I ate some killing 'hotpot' and we had a terrific experience here.

An image from the Humble Ambassador Garden in Suzhou. Reminds me of Mac screensaver. Damn you Apple!!!

And another....

...just like Vegas!

China Trip

2010-10-28T03:02:00.000-07:00

Here's Tommaso Cappellato and Peter Scherr (w/bass and phone) arriving in Guangzhou. Men were completely fascinated with the dble bass in this flight case. One guy just walked up and picked it up to see how heavy it was. We played a really cafe venue there. But the restaurant was my favorite. Teddy Kumpel got shots of the menu with some of the weirdest formed and unappetizing food I've ever seen. I stuck with the safe stuff, rice, pork and greens. This night I discovered that our audiences would probably sit on their hands. They don't clap for solos but really like it when the drummer plays fast licks. I think if i played with no taste and indifference to my fellow musicians I could have gotten over. It carried on like this until we got to Suzhou where everything changed for the better.

My first cab ride. They weren't as reckless as I expected. And I certainly have been through scarier trips in NYC. It's impossible to buckle up in the back seats. And what's up with the cage? David Wong met us in Guangzhou and was our translator and road manager for the tour. He did a superb job and thanks to Peter brining loads of gear we always had a good sound.

I thought this electrical situation in Shanghai made for a good subject. Tommaso and I found a terrific restaurant there but when i ordered the chicken knots I should have realized I was getting just the joints of the bird. Took me a long time to work through that dish but it was pretty darn good. I found the Shanghai Jazz Festival a disappointment. And the JZ club chain (we played one in Huangzhou, more about that later) didn't seem to nurture the music or support the visiting musicians. Man, am I complaining? Freaking musicians...it's always something.

One of my favorite signs in Shanghai. It was here I realized that Starbucks was going to be my home away from home.

No doubt my best photo of the tour. These are blades for a giant windmill.

The Giant Squid, a Lounge Lizard resurfaces and the return of Kush

2010-08-18T09:03:00.000-07:00

A painting by my 6yr old son Roland. This is one of about 2 dozen drawings and paintings he did of giant squid and sperm whales. The images were inspired by his interest in marine biology and the fascinating diorama at the Museum of Natural History (which is also the center piece of a great film The Squid and the Whale).

I named my latest project Giant Squid because it's a mysterious and intelligent animal and Roland likes it. I had a ball playing with Ben Perowsky and Jonahan Maron at Nublu last Friday. It was weird to start a gig at 1am but the project is really fun. Ben was mixing his tracks early on and we jammed along - i played a lot of rhodes. The second set gave me a chance to play DJ and again we kept the crowd dancing. I've ever done anything like this and I expect Ben and I will continue to develop the music.

Sunday was spent strolling Brooklyn with my girl Meredith. We were in a mellow mood and went to the new pier park next to the Bklyn Bridge where there's some nice plush grass to lie on. There, we started into an article in this week's New Yorker. John Lurie, actor, artist and leader of the Lounge Lizards went into hiding over 2 years ago due to fellow artist John Perry's menacing behavior. The article is an in depth piece on the psychological battle between the two men. Lurie's work is acknowledged but the heart of the article is really about how this intelligent, witty and brilliant person is forced into isolation. Check out the New Yorker clip from the drawing show (that initiated the psychological brawl) with both men clearly behaving well...perfectly normal.

Definitely not a waster of time, bassist and composer Ben Allison is starting up a music series at NYC's Kush. I was part of a trio that performed at the old location for 3 years. Once again Ben is bringing in trios, this time they are variations of his band with myself, Jenny Sheinmann, Steve Cardenas and Rudy Royston. Ben has asked me to play on his next album and I'm truly thrilled to rejoin his group and go into the studio in December. Catch us this Saturday at Nublu playing the late sets.

The new band, recent gigs in NYC and teaching at Siena Jazz

2010-07-27T07:07:00.000-07:00

It's always a surprise when you think things are going a certain way and then it turns out different from what you expected. I felt like this after my last hit at 55bar. I've been leading a fare amount this year but I haven't felt that I've been presenting my music at its best. So it was refreshing to play to a packed house with my new band. The audience was riveted throughout the set and gave us a standing ovation afterwards. I love this band! They're tight but not uptight. Loose but not sloppy. We'll be recording our next gig at Cornelia St. Cafe so i hope for a similar crowd that night to cheer us on.

MB, Landon Knoblock, Greg Ritchie and Michael Bates

I had so many rewarding shows this past week. Last weekend Steven Bernstein had me join his Millennial Territory Orchestra in Nyack. And the next evening Ben Perowsky invited me to play with his Moodswing Orchestra plus rapper TK Wonder at the Tribeca 92St Y. We followed that up opening for Raphael Sadiq at Central Park Summerstage. TK has the youthful optimism and old school charm that I miss in so much hip hop today. She has amazing rhymes and her time is incredible. Ben commented on how her phrasing reminded him of Sonny Rollins.

July 17th TK Wonder rocks the house at Central Park Summerstage w/ Ben Perowsky's MSO (that's producer Danny Blume on the right. We played in the Lounge Lizards together)

I was sent a link of the Lounge Lizards that are up on youtube. With Bryan Carrott, Oren Bloewdow, Jane Scarpantoni, Steven Bernstein, Calvin Weston, Billy Martin, Miki Navazio and of course John Lurie leading. I think John was proud to get some serious music across while still having a lot of fun.

Next week I start teaching at Siena Jazz where i hope to pass on some of the amazing information I learned during my tenure in the Lizards. I can see the look of bewilderment already when i try to explain to them what 'fake jazz' is!

But first - this thursday - I'm at the Brooklyn Public Library to play some pure swing with guitarist Matt Munisteri. There's a dance instructor included for this so feel free to come down and shake your thang.

Michael Blake Quartet hits 52nd Street (swing street)

2010-06-24T16:27:00.000-07:00

Here it is in its heyday. And I'm proud to say I'll be playing there on Tuesday with a sensational rhythm section. I moved to NYC almost 25 years ago and at that time there were a few of the old jazz clubs left. I got to play at The Village Gate (upstairs and downstairs) and some of the clubs formed in the 70's like Mikells, Fat Tuesdays and Sweet Basil. Man, there was a great place across from Columbia U - I can't remember the name - with hard bench seating and tight legroom. It was kind of like flying in coach. Now that I'm teaching kids in their teens and 20's I feel fortunate that i got to spend time in these joints listening to legends. It is a reminder that NYC real estate turns over and over and not much stays around for long. Still, sitting in at the Gate (The New School sparked that sunday jam) and The Jazz Cultural Center gave me a perspective on the scene and what it took to survive here. Most of my generation really miss Bradley's and I remember some fun nights there myself but it did get expensive and I lived uptown. It was a long trip home on the local so I had to choose my nights out with some care. One of the best venues and a reminder of how diverse the booking policies used to be was the Bottom Line. I heard Sonny Rollins there a number of times and played there in 1987 with none other than Doug and the Slugs. Not many probably know who I'm talking about unless you're from Vancouver and remember a hit they had in 70's. I still got a buzz playing these venues and thought it was the just a matter of time before I got to play in The Village Vanguard. Well I still haven't ever gotten to play there, but I am going to play on swing street next week. The photo above captures it at it's prime. Man I bet that was an amazing experience, to stroll on one street and hear the greats play. Wait a minute, Bleecker St looked like that last week at the Undead Festival! So, NYC still kicks ass and we'll be doing the same next week at Miles Cafe. It's a new venue and you have to go to the 3rd floor, so it's not at street level. I hear they have a gorgeous steinway (something all you piano players might want to check out) and a good vibe.
Catch us this Tuesday, June 29 at Miles Cafe 8-11pm

212 E. 52nd St. #3Fl.

New York NY 10022

E/V train to 53rd St./Lexington, 6 train to 51st St.

Call for reservations (212) 371-7657

Michael Blake - saxophones

Landon Knoblock - piano

Michael Bates - bass

Daniel Freedman - drums

Michael Blake Quartet 'Live at Barbes'

2010-06-10T07:53:00.000-07:00

Check this out. Barbes recorded the gig and i didn't even know it. Now everyone can hear our debut gig online! Not the best audio quality but still, pretty cool. Thanks to Marlon Bishop and WNYC for streaming this and writing such kind words about my music

http://culture.wnyc.org/articles/music-hub/2010/may/06/no-cover-michael-blake/

Peter Scherr, Son of August

2010-05-27T05:32:00.000-07:00

Bassist and composer Peter Scherr has just released a CD I played tenor on called Son of August. It also features his brother Tony and Brad Shepik on guitars and Michael Sarin on drums. Pete is a terrific composer and an empathetic and focused bassist. His rock tinged album is contemporary instrumental music at its best. Check it out at CD Baby!

http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/PeterScherr

My Birthday

2010-05-24T09:49:00.000-07:00

Ever since i was a kid I had a strange relationship with my birthday. Most of the time they went off well but - i think it was my 8th - when there was that defining one where i laughed so hard i barfed all over the table. My brother took the fall but in fact it was our neighbor who laughed with his mouth wide open and with such exuberance that it got me over excited. Paul was singing the theme to a radio ad made big at the time for it's resonance, 'Dick Irwin, what a great great guy!', written about a used car dealer with 'great chevy/olds buys'. Well I didn't hurl at any other bdays but they weren't as much fun as they were supposed to be. My 40th was a highlight - can't believe it was 6 years ago! - when all of my friends came to prospect pk for a picnic. I think we assembled a terrific cross section of friends and family. I had a bday in jamaica where they wrote 'Happy Birthday Elizabeth!' on the cake. She ordered the cake so they must have been really stoned while putting it together. My mom got me a tape recorded one year when i was about 11 and i loved the 'Sound of Music' so i played that a lot. When we saw it in the theater i was mesmerized. I'm not the slightest bit daunted by this or it's resonance in the gay community. It speaks to people. Primarily sappy white people. But there is a new version and I'm part of it, so check this out: Next week we'll be at Joe's Pub to perform Peter Kieswalter's new arrangements of this classic. Rogers and Hammerstein's estate have permitted him to modernize it and it's soulful and strong and refreshing. Come on down June 1 (7:30 and 9:30) to hear the Brooklyn Rundfunk Orchetrata.

Trio Sante at the Bar Next Door

2010-05-13T13:34:00.000-07:00

Scott Neumann has organized this reunion of a trio that was formed almost 20 years(!) ago for a 2 week run in Neuchatel, Switzerland. It's really fun to play with these great musicians again. Hear the sound of Scott exclaiming the wonder of Mt Eiger "5000 feet of vertical rock!", feel the french host crush my hand with his iron grip (after a week I got him back) and relish in Ben Allison's realization that he can eat salmon! And oo la la, the ice cream we ate that day by the lake. Such good memories.

Friday, May 14th Sets at 7pm and 9pm

Trio Sante at Bar Next Door , NYC

with Ben Allison- Bass

Scott Neumann- Drums

Primavera en Siena

2010-05-11T06:00:00.000-07:00

After a satisfying tour with Hellbent I arrived in Siena to a chilly town. Only a month before it was sunny and warm. The crappy weather didn't last long though and when the sun came out the light was fantastic. Here's a view of both cathedrals, the tower and the piazza. InJam was fantastic and the faculty, administration and students made for a great hang. Teaching this term was more of a challenge for me. I remember overcoming obstacles when i got seriously into the music and if it wasn't for some ass kicking I'd not have broken free of my bad habits. So, I did some booty thumping of my own. No doubt with the demise of record companies, the challenges of competing in a saturated market and economic uncertainty there's a different challenge ahead for them. But they also have new resources like social networking and digital distribution that opens up new channels. Next week I'm recording with two young lions of the new jazz scene - pianist Giovanni Guidi and trombonist Gianluca Patrella. Also on board are bassist Thomas Morgan and drummer Gerald Cleaver. I'm looking forward to the date and touring with them in 2011.

Howdy Calgary! On to Edmonton

2010-05-01T14:11:00.000-07:00

Pretty cool the A&W in this airport has wifi. I just got in a skype with my brother and his family who have arrived safely in london after a long delay caused by the before mentioned volcano. Hooray!
Hellbent made it to Seattle in one piece. Tonight we're at http://www.yardbirdsuite.com/ I really love this band and I'm proud of the new release we're pushing out here. See you here or tomorrow in vancouver for the big show at http://www.capilanou.ca/news-events/performing-arts/season-performances/jazz.html

The Georgia Straight on 'Hellbent'

2010-04-30T14:23:00.001-07:00

http://www.straight.com/article-320009/vancouver/grooves-thing-michael-blakes-hellbent

I'm on CBC radio this saturday

2010-04-29T18:42:00.001-07:00

http://www.cbc.ca/hotair/
Check out their website for streaming info.

Land of the Lost

2010-04-24T10:05:00.001-07:00

The comedian George Carlin (perhaps the originator of observational humor) once responded to enviromentalists with a grouchy and cynical but painfully accurate statement that we humans are simply visiting earth and should count ourselves lucky to get to crash on mother earth's sofa. I'm paraphrasing, "the planet can shake us off like a dog shakes off fleas". George, it's a shame in te end you turned into such a dark fellow but you were one smart dude.

My brother and his family came to stay in my place while I was away in early April. After a few days visit together on April 14 they got prepped to come home to London when news of a volcanic ash cloud interrupted their plans. While their 6 yr old daughter was already homesick and her parents eager to be home and back to work, they had to resolve they would have an extended holiday. As it turns out the weather has been beautiful and despite the homesickness we've had a great week. Especially nice for me to get these extra days with my niece.

I feel for my family, friends and colleages whose tours and travel plans led to lost income, cancelled concerts and caused an insurmountable amount of stress. It could have been me! You gotta acknowledge that our planet can kick serious butt. And this is the 'little' volcano.
Hey mighty earth can you chill out now for a bit?

Michael Blake's Hellbent is now available on CD

2010-04-18T14:47:00.000-07:00

I'm proud to announce the release of my latest CD Hellbent. The recording captures some of New York City's finest contemporary jazz artists at their very best. Joining me are Steven Bernstein (trumpet), Marcus Rojas (tuba) and G. Calvin Weston (drums). Hear the entire 2007 Vancouver concert and buy the first release on Michael's new 'Label of Love'. Available from Michael's website and soon to be released on CD Baby, iTunes and other digital distributors.

Blake, Drake and Bates get NY Times listing this week. Pretty cool.

2010-04-16T11:47:00.001-07:00

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/16/arts/music/16jazz.html?scp=1&sq=hellbent%20&st=cse

Home is sweet

2010-04-13T04:17:00.000-07:00

I'm back in NYC. I'll be setting up a slide show with pictures from Menorca and Italy. I had a wonderful time with old and new friends in Siena. I wanted to post this picture of myself with the great Marshall Allen who performed at the Calagonone festival in Sardinia last summer. I was there with Ben Allison's Band. Guitarist Steve Cardenas took this photo. We grooved on this rap for days:

"Hit that jive jack.
Put it in your pocket 'til i get back.
Going to outer space as fast as I can.
Ain't got time to shake your hand."

We both enjoyed the music, raps, choreography and the magical experience of the Arkestra. Marshall's calm and strength is so present, his devotion to music, his timeless surrender and brilliant musicianship was amazing. When the world seems scary (like when hooded worshippers silently march on passover), terrorists plots unravel and all seems too dark to bare, I find solace in these bright moments. Hey, if Marshall can do it...why can't I? So thanks to all for a great week in Europe. Many thanks to Tommasso Cappellato, Ludmilla Faccenda, Jacopo Guidi, SienaJazz, the students and faculty. I love to teach and hear music through the ears of my students when they realize something profound and beautiful and feel the force of nature. Home is where the heart is.

...with Marshall Allen in Sardegna

2010-04-13T04:01:00.000-07:00

2010-04-03T17:00:00.000-07:00

Menorca

2010-04-03T11:25:00.000-07:00

I flew into CDG in Paris fully intending to make my transfer in 1 smooth step but as usual the airport through me off balance. I met a friendly jazz singer Deborah Davis - on her way to Bierut - and drank too much wine with dinner but I made it to Barcelona without any problem and then arrived in Menorca completely under slept and groggy. Ah...what a nap i would take here. But first I drank the local gin w tapas and got a taste of the island. Tommy and Co arrived soon after i awoke and we ate more tapas and i came back to my room ready to get some serious sleep, wake early and take advantage of the facilities the hotel offered. And i did. I swam, took a sauna, and steamed myself into a stupor of sorts. By the time we were at sound check I felt I had been on holiday for a week.

We ate at a local restaurant on the upscale side and tried to get back before the processional for Good Friday began. I had seen the rehearsal and it was quite something. At the front are a large line of worshippers, hooded and robed, looking very much like a certain clan in the US. Especially because of the pointy hoods and crosses. Man they looked scary with only the eye sockets cut out of those creepy hoods. The Jesus came next, carried high on the shoulders of the 'pallbearers' (?) and a band played something we recognized from Sketches of Spain. Right then when the entire street was silent and somber as you can imagine the promoter suggested we walk along and then cut through the procession. I immediately refused to do this out of respect to the processional, their silent onlookers and because I was feeling the mood and I wanted to experience it from the same viewpoint as the locals. But I had to go, and that was that, so I scurried along with the mourners and tried not to appear as embarrassed as I felt. Awkward...

We played a nice concert (on Tommaso's Birthday!) for a receptive and friendly crowd of about 200. The band was sounding great in that old room. I'll let you know when the best bits are up on youtube.

All my musician friends should know Veuling Airlines is anti-musician. They restrict carry on for musical instruments to - get this - flute, clarinet, trumpet, violin and viola. It was hairy for a minute because this purser was going to refuse to let me bring my horn on board. Even though it was under the restricted measurements and smaller than most everyone's luggage. The captain finally revealed she was looking for excuses to keep me from bringing my horn because i wasn't polite. Come on, I'm Canadian! I can't not be polite. Thanks to Tommy for keeping his cool as I was getting rather put off with this woman and I felt she was seriously over stepping her authority. I was assertive but I don't think it made any sense so I was dismissive and just took my seat and stored my horn. Was that rude of me? Well they got the last word. As we began our decent, Kenny G blasted out from the speakers.

Hey I'm in Padua now and I must see the Giotto frescoes and tell my son about them. He's an active artist and loves a book about Giotto. And I want to see them for myself! I love visiting Tommy and his girlfriend Emi and we always have a great time. Today was no exception and Emi cooked some serious Pasta Fagioli for dinner. Tomorrow I've been invited to join them with his family for Easter lunch. Mangiamo!

Starting on Wednesday I'm teaching in Siena. It'll be nice to work with the students and hang with my boys Ben Allison and Ben Perowsky who are also on the faculty for InJam in April and May.

The Talib Kweli Show got me thinking...

2010-03-27T11:59:00.000-07:00

My brooklyn brother threw down big time to a mostly 'geezer' crowd last night at little field. I'm sure he was happy and he was proud to be participating w gil scott heron but i'm sure he's used to a more raucous party response. I thought he was a great host, awesome rapper and his message is positive and speaks to so many of us who are inspired and relieved by Obama's Presidency and angered by the foxpublicans attempts to stop progress. It was also entertaining as hell. The DJ's MC is Preservation and Talib referred to him as Pres which got me thinking about Lester Young. Pres was playing 45's and they were all kick ass tunes. My friend and I also enjoyed Little Field. A great new venue only 10mins walk from my house. They have friendly bartenders that poor generous cocktails. They could use a few couches and a new security cat. When we were leaving he was berating a member of the Black Writers Conference who was an official photographer of the event. I thought the sound was good but Talib was on the sound-mans case for keeping the music too low. And i would agree it wasn't loud enough - even for this old jazzman.

2010-03-26T17:32:00.000-07:00

Going to see Gil Scott Heron with Talib Kwali and Gary Bartz at a new venue in brooklyn called http://www.littlefieldnyc.com/

I haven't officially announced the blog so do me the favor of signing up so it looks like i have a few 'followers'.

hee ha!

2010-03-26T15:23:00.000-07:00

I have been somewhat destitute financially this month. Man, the entire music community i know has been destitute! It certainly was a crappy winter for work. This is in my opinion (hey this is my blog i can rant as much as i want right?) because of the GOP's effort to banish art and science from the globe if it doesn't line up with their 'ideology' of what America is about. That and 8 years of a maniac unilateral warmonger partisan president who is responsible for screwing up,well, pretty much the world.

So... I'm really looking forward to going to Siena next week. Before that I'm off to Minorca to play with Tommaso Cappellato, Paduan drummer and all around beautiful cat. He'll be part of my group that I'm instructing at Siena Jazz. This will be a great experience and a good opportunity for me to brush up on my italian. I'm pretty bad but to my credit, I'm a lot better than most of the English speaking musicians over there.

I really did run out of bread but I took advantage of the slow period to produce a new CD of my band Hellbent. Recorded live from a concert in Vancouver from a few years ago, it is my first independent release since Blake Tartare in 2004. I have 2 former Lizards on board - Steven Bernstein and Calvin Weston - and tubist Marcus Rojas. My next releases on my brand new label of love - hey that's not a bad name right? - are a reissue of Elevated and the Soundtrack to Vodka Rocks. Director John Rubino made this madcap political action film on his own and I hope he gets it out soon!

Well, it's a start...

2010-03-26T13:59:00.000-07:00

I am way slow on this blogging thing. I intend to share my thoughts, anecdotes, post photos and discuss personal and political issues. My Dad had a blog 10 years ago - he was in his late 60's - but then again he was always on top of the net and really into the way folks can connect on the web. As of today I've been trying to figure out the basics in blogger.

Of course www.michaelblake.net will always be available for content and other matters related to my career. I will use this blog to expand on that and have fun.