The wily saxophonist’s Tiddy Boom (Sunnyside) popped up on several 2014 best-of lists, with most praise citing the lyricism and oomph Blake brought to the table on a mainstream quartet date that had plenty of lefty leanings. That’s his way, of course. For the last two decades, his tenor has been keen on finding eloquence in both swing and skronk. The killer band from the record is on this gig, and expect the agility of bassist Ben Allison and drummer Rudy Royston to tickle pianist Frank Kimbrough into even more inventive territory than usual. Through the lines, you’ll hear a nod to Hawk and Pres – one of Blake’s goals for this project – and as the music settles, you’ll know how inspiration is passed down through the jazz lineage.
Jazz Standard
116 27th Street NYC
Wednesday April 1 7:30 pm + 10 pm
Tickets are $25
212-576-2232
Lament For A Straight Line 