John Blake, Jr.

Billboard magazine recognized jazz violinist and composer John Blake, Jr. as “destined to be a force in jazz for many years to come.” Together with his quartet, Blake brings years of accomplished performance, a diversity of cultural backgrounds, and great chemistry to present concerts of original and classic jazz composition. Blake has performed with the Duke Ellington Orchestra, the McCoy Tyner Trio and the Billy Taylor Trio. “…virtuoso that he is, he came off as a musician who cared about communication.” (Edgar Koshatka, The Philadelpia Inquirer)

Repertoire includes original music by John Blake, such as his Chamber Music America commission “A Celebration of Fiddle Music from Africa to America” and original jazz arrangements of Negro Spirituals. Ensembles include John Blake and Charlotte Blake Alston, storyteller; and John Blake Quartet, with or without a featured instrumentalist, vocal ensemble, or Charlotte Blake Alston. Residency activities include lecture/demonstrations, master classes, workshops and clinics, as well as a residency based on his latest CD (Motherless Child) that incorporates local singers.