Primacy of the Ear. A jazz concert in honor of the legendary pianist-composer-educator Ran Blake who will be turning 80 in August. The program will feature Blake's music and musical influences including the world premiere of a piece by John Harbison in tribute to Blake, surprise guests, and more. Performers will include: Ran Blake, piano; Dominique Eade, vocals; the MIT Festival Jazz Ensemble, Frederick Harris, Jr., music director; the MIT Vocal Jazz Ensemble, John Harbison, music director; Strength In Numbers (S.I.N.): John Harbison, piano, Keala Kaumeheiwa, bass, Fred Harris, drums, Evan Ziporyn and Dylan Sherry, woodwinds; and the Peter Godart Ensemble. 8pm, Kresge Auditorium. Admission: $5; free in advance to the MIT community. Tickets at Eventbrite and at the door.
About Ran Blake
In a career that now spans five decades, pianist Ran Blake has created a unique niche in improvised music as an artist and educator. With a characteristic mix of spontaneous solos, modern classical tonalities, the great American blues and gospel traditions, and themes from classic Film Noir, Blake’s singular sound has earned a dedicated following all over the world. His dual musical legacy includes more than 40 albums on some of the world’s finest jazz labels, as well nearly 40 years as a groundbreaking educator at Boston’s New England Conservatory. ... read more about Ran Blake
