Ron Blake’s Scratch Band brings together a trio of Blake on saxophones, Reuben Rogers on bass, and John Hadfield on drums for a program that blends the leader’s original compositions with interpretations of works by Roy Hargrove, Winston Bailey, and Quelvis Ochoa Cruz. Shifting between baritone, tenor, and soprano, Blake explores a variety of moods […]
Ron Blake’s Scratch Band brings together a trio of Blake on saxophones, Reuben Rogers on bass, and John Hadfield on drums for a program that blends the leader’s original compositions with interpretations of works by Roy Hargrove, Winston Bailey, and Quelvis Ochoa Cruz. Shifting between baritone, tenor, and soprano, Blake explores a variety of moods and tempos, while the sparse instrumentation leaves space for open dialogue among the players. Rogers and Hadfield provide a steady, flexible foundation that keeps the music both grounded and conversational. The album reflects Blake’s Virgin Islands roots and the influence of scratch band tradition, while also situating the setlist firmly within the broader jazz lineage.
