Seamus Blake Quartet
International star Seamus Blake returns home for rare gig with local jazz royalty
With his fantastic tone, incredible phrasing and imagination, Seamus Blake is truly one of the greats of contemporary jazz. The Vancouver raised saxophonist became a leading player in New York City – working with Mingus Big Band and with soloists including guitarist John Scofield – before moving to Paris in 2018. Since then, his creations with European bands have produced several outstanding recordings.
Blake performs compositions from those new recordings as well as music from his past albums – 16 in total as a band leader – along with brand new music and improvisations with an all-star local band, featuring Phil Dwyer on piano, Andre LaChance, bass, and drummer Jesse Cahill.
"One of the most versatile of the younger breed of academically trained jazzmen..." – Jazz Times
"Few artists are capable of delivering near-perfection every time, but Blake is one of them, with nary a misstep here and a consistent ability to create a clear narrative with every solo." – All About Jazz
"Tearing up every tune, and making the CD exceptional, is Blake, a high-energy, positive musical force. He's a double-time wonder, always articulate and exciting, constructing cascades of melodies that are marvels of logic and exertion." –Ottawa Citizen