Michael Blake Kingdom Of Champa CD

Saxophonist Michael Blake spent a month living in Vietnam with his wife and her family. Kingdom of Champa, which has six of his originals plus the traditional "Folksong," is his tribute to the country and the time that he spent in the exotic and troubled land. The music is often quite Asian-sounding, utilizing a wide variety of instruments (including bass clarinet, slide trumpet, bass flute, tuba, and cello) in unusual combinations with the emphasis often on ensembles rather than solos. The music is atmospheric, adventurous, and unpredictable modern jazz beyond category. It makes for an intriguing listen, a strong and heartfelt set by Michael Blake and his talented sidemen. ~ Scott Yanow

Audio Mixer: Scott Harding.

Recording information: Sorcerer Studios, New York, NY (08/20/1996/08/21/1996); Sorceror Studios, New York, NY (08/20/1996/08/21/1996).

Photographers: Fernando M. Natalici; Michael Blake ; Thule.

Arranger: Michael Blake .

Personnel: Michael Blake (tenor & soprano saxophones, bass clarinet); Steve Bernstein (trumpet, cornet, slide trumpet); Thomas Chapin (flute, bass flute, piccolo, baritone saxophone); Marcus Rojas (tuba); Rufus Cappadocia (cello); Bryan Carrott (vibraphone); David Tronzo (slide guitar); Tony Scherr (acoustic & electric basses, moonlute); Scott Neumann (drums); Billy Martin (percussion).

Personnel: Michael Blake (bass clarinet, soprano saxophone, tenor saxophone); David Tronzo (slide guitar); Tony Scherr (lute, acoustic bass, electric bass); Rufus Cappadocia (cello); Thomas Chapin (flute, bass flute, piccolo, baritone saxophone); Steven Bernstein (trumpet, slide trumpet, cornet); Marcus Rojas (tuba); Bryan Carrott (vibraphone); Scott Neumann (drums); Billy Martin (percussion).

Option (9-10/97, p.86) - "...Blake definetely has an individual composing voice and knows how to leave plenty of space for good soloing. He sounds like a promising addition to the scene."