John Blake Jr. 1947-2014

[HolgerFreimutSchrick]

Jazz violinist John Blake Jr. has died.

see:

http://jazztimes.com/sections/news/articles/136727-violinist-john-blake-jr-dead-at-67

[sidewinder]

Very sad news. One of the greatest gigs I ever attended was a McCoy Tyner quintet which had John Blake in the front line. RIP.

Edited August 17, 2014 by sidewinder

[CJ Shearn]

RIP...... I love his passionate solo on "Bags Groove" on the Newport in NY albums. Also so great with McCoy.

[kh1958]

That McCoy Tyner Quintet with John Blake, Gary Bartz, John Lee or Gerald Veasley, and Wilby Fletcher that I was fortunate to see several times was an electrifying group. I also recollect a strong appearance at the Caravan of Dreams in 1986, leading his own group, playing the music from his Gramavision releases in versions superior to the somewhat overproduced albums.

[JSngry]

Oh no. I played a local engagement with him in the late 1970s. he was one of the warmest, funniest people I've ever worked with, especially at the dinner table.

RIP, and eat well!

[Spontooneous]

A very warm cat indeed. Met him at the funeral for Claude "Fiddler" Williams. John flew across the country on his own dime to the funeral of a jazz violin tribal elder, and played so beautifully in Claude's memory. I'd been hoping to see and hear him again sometime.

[Gheorghe]

I also remember that fantastic McCoy Tyner Sextet, I think it was around 1980. He can also be heard on the album "Horizon"

[sidewinder]

I also remember that fantastic McCoy Tyner Sextet, I think it was around 1980. He can also be heard on the album "Horizon"

The lineup I saw was in 1981/82 and had (in addition to John Blake) Joe Ford, McCoy, John Lee and Wilby Fletcher. Around the time they did those Elektra Musician LPs. I've got the feeling I went back for the second night and also remember Blake wearing a very striking white suit.

The album 'Horizon' gives a very good indication of how they sounded and the excitement of that gig.

Edited August 18, 2014 by sidewinder

[kh1958]

I also remember that fantastic McCoy Tyner Sextet, I think it was around 1980. He can also be heard on the album "Horizon"

And the album Dimensions.

[Hank]

So sad to hear this. Some years ago I was lucky enough to hear John Blake perform in a wonderful duet with Avery Sharpe in a snug little outdoor setting right on the banks of the Connecticut River.

[Milestones]

I was always most struck by his work with James Newton, particularly on The African Flower.

R.I.P.

Edited August 18, 2014 by Milestones

[randyhersom]

_{And a nice duet album with Sumi Tonooka that I found on eMusic. But yes, Horizon probably the pinnacle of his career.}

[Hardbopjazz]

Sad new. I saw him with McCoy Tyner sometime back in the 1980s. RIP John.

[Justin V]

I've only heard John Blake on Tyrone Brown's Song of the Sun and Avery Sharpe's Legends and Mentors, but he was an excellent violinist. I'll have to check out the albums he did with McCoy Tyner. He must've been proud of Johnathan, who is one of the top young drummers on the scene. Rest in peace, Mr. Blake, and thank you for the music.