JONATHAN BLAKE - batteria
è senza pari tra i giovani batteristi per la chiarezza del suo battito e l’incisività del suo swing; batterista e compositore, ha lavorato costantemente nella scena jazz contemporanea degli ultimi 10 anni. La sua musicianship, professionalità, e atteggiamento positivo sono alcuni degli attributi che lo rendono unico per molti. Nato a Philadelphia nel 1976, figlio di una famosa violinista jazz, è stato introdotto nel mondo della musica jazz di suo padre in età precoce. Anche se, Johnathan ha iniziato a suonare il violino a tre anni, sotto la guida del padre, non si è mai sentito a proprio agio con tale strumento; egli ha sempre sentito una stretta connessione con i tamburi a dispetto di suo padre che sperava per lui un futuro da violinista. All’età di 10 anni quando un insegnante di musica in visita presso la sua scuola elementare gli ha consentito di scegliere uno strumento dopo un pun- teggio perfetto sulla prova attitudinale, senza esitazione, Johnathan scelse la batteria. Ha vinto diversi Johnathan went on to George Washington High School in Philadelphia, where he was a drum captain of the marching band and started playing with Settlement Music School under the direction of Robert Landham. premi, è stato un tamburo capitano della banda di marcia.As Johnathan became more involved in music, he began contemplating a career as professional jazz musician. In the spring of 2007, Johnathan received a Master’s degree from the Rutgers University. Nel 2007 ha ricevuto un Master dalla Rutgers University. He has studied with Ralph Bowen, Conrad Herwig, and Stanley Cowell. Ha studiato con Ralph Bowen, Conrad Herwig, e Stanley Cowell. His studies were focused mainly on horning his compositional skills. I suoi studi sono stati incentrati principalmente su horning la sua abilità di composizione.He was one of the recipients of the 2006 ASCAP Young Jazz Composers Awards. Johnathan is currently a member of Tom Harrell Quintet and Russell Malone Quartet. E’ attualmente un membro di Tom Harrell Quintet e Russell Malone Quartetto. He also performs regularly with Kenny Barron, Avishai Cohen, and Omer Avital. Egli ha inoltre svolge regolarmente con Kenny Barron, Avishai Cohen, e Omer Avital.
Grammy-nominated drummer and composer, Johnathan Blake, has been working steadily in the
contemporary jazz scene for the past 10 years. He has been a first-call drummer for many notable jazz
musicians such as Tom Harrell, David Sanchez, Russell Malone, Kenny Barron, Randy Brecker, and
Oliver Lake to name a few. His musicianship, professionalism, and positive attitude are few of the
attributes that make him the choice drummer for many. In addition to being a sideman, Johnathan
performs with his own group internationally.
Johnathan Blake was born in Philadelphia on July 1st, 1976 as a son of a world-renown jazz violinist,
John Blake, Jr. Naturally, Johnathan was introduced to the world of jazz music by his father from early
on. Although, Johnathan began playing violin at the age three under his father’s guidance, he never felt
at home with the instrument. He always felt a close connection to the drums in spite of his father’s wish
for Johnathan to become a violinist.
When Johnathan was 10 years old, a visiting music teacher at his elementary school allowed him to
choose an instrument after Johnathan scored perfect on the music aptitude test. Without hesitation,
Johnathan picked the drum set. He started taking lessons at the school and it became clear to everyone
very quickly that the drums, indeed, was his instrument.
In middle school, Johnathan performed with the jazz band for the first time. He won several awards
including Outstanding Achievement Award in Music. Beginning at age 12, Johnathan was involved with
the Lovett Hines Youth Ensemble, where he met his long-time friend and musical partner, Jaleel Shaw.
With the Lovett Hines Youth Ensemble, Johnathan performed regularly in the Philadelphia area.
Johnathan went on to George Washington High School in Philadelphia, where he was a drum captain of
the marching band and started playing with Settlement Music School under the direction of Robert
Landham. During the summer time, he participated in many music camps such as Jazz Opportunity for
Youth at Montclair State College, Jazz in July Summer Workshop at the University of Massachusetts.
As Johnathan became more involved in music, he began contemplating a career as professional jazz
musician. His encounter with Love Supreme was a big turning point for him in making the decision.
Johnathan went on to William Paterson University to pursue his jazz studies further. He studied with
Rufus Reid, John Riley, Steve Wilson, and Horace Arnold. While in school, he started working
professionally with the Oliver Lake Big Band, Roy Hargrove, and David Sanchez. When McCoy Tyner
asked Johnathan to join his group, he pondered leaving school for good to pursue his professional
career; however, Johnathan decided to complete his education as it was of utmost importance to him at
that time.
In the spring of 2007, Johnathan received his Master’s degree from the Rutgers University. He has
studied with Ralph Bowen, Conrad Herwig, and Stanley Cowell. His studies were focused mainly on
horning his compositional skills. He was one of the recipients of the 2006 ASCAP Young Jazz
Composers Awards.
Johnathan is currently a member of Tom Harrell Quintet, Russell Malone Quartet, and Kenny Barron
Trio. He also performs regularly with Donny McCaslin, Jaleel Shaw, Avishai Cohen, and Omer Avital
among others. He will be recording with Sadao Watanabe in upcoming month.
Johnathan’s own group often sells out premier venues such as The Jazz Gallery and Smalls in New
York City. He is planning to record his debut CD in the fall of 2009.
