| | Ron Blake Sonic Tonic CD Ron Blake Discography of CDs
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Ron Blake is an excellent modern mainstream tenor saxophonist with a strong tone, a creative improvising style, and versatility. On this well-rounded CD, Blake digs into some of his best originals ("Tom Blake" is particularly memorable), Johnny Griffin's catchy "Dance of Passion," a lyrical version of "The Windmills of Your Mind," and a beautiful reading of "Pure Imagination." The backing ranges from straight-ahead in a 1960s John Coltrane vein to the use of electronics to creative funk rhythms and touches of fusion. Much of the set could have been recorded during 1965-1975, but it is not predictable, it doesn't lose the listener's interest, and the musicianship is top-notch. While the regular CD has 11 selections, a second limited-edition CD has remixed versions of three of the songs, with "Tom Blake" and "Dance of Passion" being "re-imagined" twice. Listeners who feel that the original date does not sound complete without louder bass and drums, electronic rhythms, and odd sound effects may enjoy the second CD, but others may find this to be an odd waste, a case where more is less. However, Sonic Tonic is worth acquiring for the first disc. ~ Scott Yanow
Initial pressings include a limited edition bonus remix CD.
Personnel: Ron Blake (flute, soprano saxophone, tenor saxophone); Reuben Rogers (acoustic guitar, electric bass); James Hurt (keyboards); Christian McBride (double bass); Chris 'Daddy' Dave, Chris Dave (drums); Gilmar Gomes (percussion); David Gilmore (electric guitar); Sean Jones (flugelhorn); Vincent Chancey (French horn); Josh Roseman (trombone); Marcus Rojas (tuba); Michael Cain (piano, Fender Rhodes piano, organ, keyboards); Terreon Gully (drums); Pedro Martinez (congas).
Audio Mixer: Ari Raskin.
Liner Note Authors: Me'Shell Ndegéocello; Gretchen Carhartt.
Recording information: Chung King Studios, New York, NY (08/2004); Skip Saylor Sound (08/2004).
Author: Me'Shell Ndegéocello.
Photographer: Mark Seliger.
Arrangers: Me'Shell Ndegéocello; Johnny Griffin. Ron Blake Sonic Tonic Songs | | Sonic Tonic CD DISC 1: |
| 1. | Invocation |
| 2. | Chasing the Sun |
| 3. | Your Warm Embrace |
| 4. | Dance of Passion |
| 5. | Windmills of Your Mind, The |
| 6. | Shades of Brown |
| 7. | Sonic Tonic |
| 8. | Tom Blake (Revisited) |
| 9. | Pure Imagination |
| 10. | Pissarro's Floor |
| 11. | Invocation (Dance of Fire) - (bonus track) |
| | Sonic Tonic Songs DISC 2: |
| 1. | Dance of Passion - (Casamena RMX mix, Casamena remix) |
| 2. | Tom Blake - (SJ Spinna Free Radikalz Remix, DJ Spinna Free Radikalz remix) |
| 3. | Sonic Tonic - (Sonic Dub Tonic mix, Sonic Dub Tonic remix) |
| 4. | Tom Blake - (Yoruba Soul Samba Mix) |
| 5. | Dance of Passion - (Brother & Sister Forever Mix) |
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Sonic Tonic Music Review Average Rating: (5 out of 5 stars)  Blake's new release is jazz at its best!
Ron Blake’s “Sonic Tonic” is the most innovative and exceptional jazz release out right now. His unique fusion of r&b, funk and jazz with international sounds, really sets this album apart from traditional jazz albums. Part of the reason for this could be, is that it was produced by Me’Shell Ndegeocello, a very well-respected artist who has worked with everyone from Prince to the Rolling Stones, and grabbed nine Grammy nominations. You can definitely see Ndegeocello’s influence throughout the album, matching Blake’s killer saxophone with strong beats and exotic supporting instrumentation. Tracks like the mysterious “Dance of Passion” and the energy-charged “Chasing the Sun” are two of my favorites because of their pure excitement. For the more laidback listener there is the too cool “Shades of Brown,” and Willy Wonka inspired “Pure Imagination,” on which Blake plays with the theme from the classic film. The bonus disc of remixes is also amazing if you want to see jazz presented in a new and exciting form. No matter what your tastes, “Sonic Tonic” is a fun and stimulating album from start to finish, as well as a great example of the way the boundaries of traditional jazz can successfully be challenged.
Submitted by JazzyKlew (CA, USA)
Was This Review Helpful? Yes No RON BLAKE's SONIC TONIC--A+
Sounds good. Best jazz record since Spirit Music Jamia
Submitted by Thuggz (New York, NY, USA)
Was This Review Helpful? Yes No | Have you heard this album? |  |
Purchase Sonic Tonic CD To buy, Click on price to add to cart | Shirley Horn You Won't Forget Me CD (1991)
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