Mack Avenue Records will release a new album from saxophonist Ron Blake on April 26. Sonic Tonic, produced by celebrated bassist Meshell Ndegeocello, marks Mack Avenue’s debut release of 2005.
Bassist Christian McBride (who produced Blake’s Mack Avenue debut, Lest We Forget) appears on five of the CD’s 10 tracks and Terreon Gully, who plays with Blake in McBride’s band, on drums on one track. Keyboardist Michael Cain and drummer Greg Hutchinson also appear, along with numerous other guests.
Sonic Tonic is the first full CD produced by Grammy nominee Ndegeocello. Ndegeocello said: “Producing this record was an honor and a joy mainly because Ron is that rare combination of inheritor and innovator. His lyricism matches his power and his emotion matches his technique. I think the music is worth any listener’s time.”
Following the April release of Sonic Tonic, Mack Avenue’s release schedule for the remainder of the year includes an as-yet untitled release from French vocalist Ilona, trumpeter Sean Jones’ second release, Gemini and a live session from vibist Terry Gibbs, as well as offerings from Brazilian guitarist Oscar Castro Neves and pianist Eugene Maslov.
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