MICHAEL BLAKE

HALLOWEEN TALES

Independent Label

Michael Blake, tenor & soprano saxophones; Gary Versace, piano; Ben Allison, acoustic bass; Michael Sarin, drums.

Michael Blake grew up in Canada, celebrating Halloween with pillowcases stuffed with candy.  Sometimes the streets popped with firecrackers and the holiday was one he looked forward to as a child.  This album, titled “Halloween Tales” is the saxophonist’s take on the October 31^st annual tradition. It’s a record he made in the spirit of the creepy holiday. This production is playful, communal, and never quite what you expect.

The tunes and titles are pulled from a variety of composers.  “Halloween Theme” is a song written by John Carpenter. It’s from the movie, “Halloween.”  Blake’s quartet opens with that tune. But it’s the “Stalking Monster” song that catches my ear and attention.  It was composed, (to my surprise) by Duke Ellington.  Blake’s tenor saxophone does a great job of delivering this song.

“The Great Pumpkin Waltz” comes next, a Vince Guaraldi composition from the famed Charlie Brown “Great Pumpkin” cartoon of the same name.  Introduced by the tinkling keys of Gary Versace’s piano, the familiar tune takes shape through the bell of Michael Blake’s horn. Ben Allison’s bass locks solidly into the rhythm section with drummer Michael Sarin, then quickly veers into his own solo lane with a creative improvised solo.

Blake has incorporated music from “Young Frankenstein” and “The Nightmare Before Christmas” in his own very jazzy way.  The band’s arrangement of “Witchcraft” is slow and enticing. His only original tune on this album is the closing number called, “The Creep.”  The rolling bass of Allison sets the mood. Michael Blake makes his saxophone sound very creepy indeed and enters the arrangement stealthily.  For a few bars they double-time the piece and it gets very interesting.  I wish they had kept it there for a little longer.  Ben Allison’s bass solo is quite impressive.

All in all, this is a release geared for the Halloween holiday, but the music is much more than just an annual holiday recording.  It celebrates more than ghosts and goblins. You will enjoy playing this music and listened to It long after October 31^st.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

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