Criss Cross Jazz 1368 CD

Johnathan Blake

Gone, But Not Forgotten

Available: May 20, 2014

Johnathan Blake, one of the most in-demand drummers of his generation, has done stellar work as a member of the Tom Harrell Quintet, the Mingus Big Band, the Kenny Barron Trio, the Ravi Coltrane Quartet and many others. Having brought his fire and agility to two Criss Cross sessions by trumpeter Alex Sipiagin, Blake now offers his first Criss Cross album as a leader, Gone, But Not Forgotten.
The lineup is sparse but tremendously explosive -- how could it not be, with evolving tenor saxophone masters Chris Potter and Mark Turner paired alongside Ben Street on bass?

As the title suggests, Gone, But Not Forgotten takes inspiration from greats in the jazz world who are no longer with us. That can be a somber subject, but Blake and his quartet convey a sense of the unbridled joy and invention that marks jazz improvisation at his highest levels. Such is the lesson taught by the departed players Blake has chosen to honor: Charles Fambrough, Trudy Pitts, Sid Simmons, Cedar Walton, Jim Hall, Mulgrew Miller, Paul Motian, Frank Foster, Frank Wess and Eddie Harris.

In addition to their deep and engaging music, Blake offers two originals: one for Ana Grace, the daughter of saxophone great Jimmy Greene; and another for bassist Dwayne Burno, taken much too early at age 43.

Johnathan Blake
Barcode 8 712474 136827
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Johnathan Blake (D)
Chris Potter (Ts / Alto Fl)
Mark Turner (Ts / Ss)
Ben Street (B)

1. Cryin' Blues (Eddie Harris)  5:43
2. Firm Roots (Cedar Walton)  8:06
3. Maracas Beach (James Simmons)  4:35
4. All Across The City (Jim Hall)  7:55
5. Broski (Charles Fambrough)  8:00
6. Born Yesterday (Johnathan Blake)  6:57
7. Circle Dance (Paul Motian)  6:05
8. New Wheels (Mulgrew Miller)  5:16
9. Anysha (Trudy Pitts)  5:15
10. The Shadower (Johnathan Blake)  3:40
11. Two For The Blues (Neal Hefti)  6:37

Total Time: 68:13
Recorded February 20, 2014 in Astoria, NY, USA
Engineer: David Stoller (recording) & Michael Marciano (mixing) & Max Ross (mastering)
Producer: Gerry Teekens