8/19/18:</br>Ran Blake

Ran Blake—pianist, composer, teacher, iconoclast. 

Over 50 albums. Founding chair of New England Conservatory’s Contemporary Improvisation Department. MacArthur, Guggenheim and NEA fellowship recipient. Mentors include John Lewis, Oscar Peterson, William Russo, Gunther Schuller, Mal Waldron, Mary Lou Williams. Students include Don Byron, Matthew Shipp, John Medeski.

But a recitation of facts fails to meaningfully convey the singularity of this artist. His first recording The Newest Sound Around with singer Jeanne Lee in 1963 won international acclaim, representing a uniquely modernist approach. Gary Connely writes that “half a century after it was recorded, it still sounds like tomorrow’s music.” Check this video.

Ran Blake’s idiosyncratic approach derives from a radical openness to sensation and context, looking deeply both inward and outward. He outlines his method in a handbook for musical seekers: Primacy of the Ear. He challenges musicians with a program of disciplined listening and lifelong cultural curiosity. His own signature style reflects influences of blues, gospel, classical and film noir which combine as something utterly unique. Jason Moran says "Ran’s unlike anything else that exists. I hope musicians hear him and ask themselves, ‘Shouldn’t we be taking more chances right now?'"

Risk-taking intimacy? Ran writes the book. We are honored to host the legendary Ran Blake here @exuberance for this rare solo appearance. Set 1 explores his film noir interests.  Ran dedicates Set 2 to Abbey Lincoln. Reserve early to be spellbound.

@exuberance parties at Matt’s are by invitation only to provide a dignified, comfortable and acoustically ideal setting for worthwhile art and ideas. Cellphones and other devices are to be holstered during the performances. Between sets, conviviality rules.