Michael Blake

About Michael Blake

My work embraces dimensions in music that make the familiar sound fresh. I love to compose and began writing music when I was 14 years old. I have published over 100 original compositions that reflect many influences that span the world of music and probe the imagination. My compositions are both distinctively unique but I have amassed a tremendous amount of experience as a songwriter. On both the tenor and soprano saxophones I passionately pursue to refine and develop a personal style that is immediately identifiable. I am an experienced studio musician and fluent in all musical genres. I have been on the New York City music scene for three decades and have had the honor and privilege of performing at Jazz at Lincoln Center, Town Hall, Carnegie Hall as well as in its many jazz and music clubs. I am also actively touring and performing with musicians from Canada, Italy, Denmark and the U.K. I have released over 12 Albums as a leader and I have recorded, performed and collaborated with many leading musicians in the fields of jazz, pop and creative music. I am proud to be known for my contributions to projects led by Ben Allison, Steven Bernstein, Henry Butler, Ray Lamontagne, Enrico Rava, Grachon Moncour Kresten Osgood, Giovanni Guidi, Michael Bates, Evan Lurie, Smokey Hormel, John Lurie and The Lounge Lizards. My passion for teaching really took fruition when I was hired by Fondazione di Siena Jazz in Tuscany. I was fortunate to spend 5 summers teaching there and I learned to teach students at all levels. Currently I teach private lessons.

Experience

1. Book Seller

   Rizzoli International Publications

   Sep 2021 — Present · New York, NY, US

Education

• The Banff Centre

  Jazz and Creative Music

  1984 — 1985

• Vancouver Community College

  Music

  1982 — 1984