Latest Release
Ran Blake Archival Recording — A sleeping gem unearthed
Live Amsterdam 2006
Ran Blake/Dave Knife Fabris
(First Visit, ezz-thetic 107)
In the midst of their third international tour together, Blake and Fabris played a concert at the venerable BIMhuis in Amsterdam. As they left, the great folks at the venue handed them a recording of their set which was promptly packed away for the remainder of the tour. 15 years later, during the pandemic, the Knife found this recording and realized it was the best playing ever captured by this duo!
Blake’s solo playing is sublime as always but the duo is locked in, finishing each other's thoughts and creating a magical conversation.
"...the duo (and trio) experience that Blake and Fabris had together shines through and they sound comfortable together from first note to last. Exquisite." (John Eyles, All About Jazz 10/28/24)
Storyboarding Noir — Just Published!
Storyboarding Noir gives an inside view of Ran’s Blake’s unique use of storyboarding, a film-making technique, which lies at the heart of his extraordinary music-making. The result of many hours spent watching and re-watching favorite films with his co-author Gard Hartmann, the book brings together Ran’s reminiscences, specific commentary on 12 classic noirs, recommendations for future viewing, and several brief demonstration recordings, accessible on his website, based on the films discussed. These range from Fritz Lang’s 1922 silent epic, Dr. Mabuse, to later masterpieces (Taxi Driver, The Pawnbroker, Claude Chabrol’s Le Boucher), and in between, classics from noir’s Golden Age—including Laura, Night of the Hunter, Pickup on South Street, and the film that launched him as an 11-year old on a lifelong love affair with the movies, The Spiral Staircase.
Ran Blake & Martha Deribe -Throw It Away (Abbey Lincoln)
Ran Blake & Martha Deribe -Throw It Away (Abbey Lincoln)
Alfie
Mood Indigo - Ran Blake
On Celia
Obamaism
Invitation
Bess (Gershwin)
Gaza Ghosts
Intro to Class 1 - Long Term Melodic Memory
Saving All My Love For You
Somewhere Over the Rainbow - Ran Blake
Collaboration
Julian C.
"It's not my invention.
People have been learning music aurally since the beginning of time."
Pianist, composer, and educator Ran Blake (born April 20, 1935) is known for his unique style that combines blues, gospel, classical, and film noir influences into an innovative and dark jazz sound. His career spans over 50+ years on every major label. This is the official website of Ran Blake.
