Mack Avenue
2008
Shayari
About This Album
Tenor saxophonist Ron Blake makes large statements utilizing small groups on his latest Mack Avenue release, offering 13 diverse and creative duo and trio recordings. Although Virgin Island native Blake's name is the one on the cover here, co-credit truly should have gone to pianist and producer Michael Cain, who appears on every track, wrote or co-wrote some of the music, and guides it all as much as Blake does. The two work beautifully together, and although Shayari probably would have played just as splendidly if Blake and Cain were the only two musicians on it, its A-list of guests -- bassist (and former employer) Christian McBride, drummer Jack DeJohnette, violinist Regina Carter, and percussionist Gilmar Gomes -- brings vital flavorings to the tracks on which the guests appear. While it's still often tempting to play "spot the influences" in Blake's playing, he's clearly emerged as his own man here: his solos bear a light but forceful touch; his phrasing is smart and absorbing, often boldly leaving the confines he's set up for himself to see what might lie on the other side. For his part, Cain's ornate solos and fills add multiple dimensions to the tunes.
Track List (try tracks 1,2,3,4,7,8,9,10 and 11)

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