Pianist/composer Ran Blake, the founding chair of New England Conservatory’s Contemporary Improvisation department 40 years ago, will receive a lifetime achievement award during a tribute on Oct. 27 at 10 a.m. in NEC’s Williams Hall, 30 Gainsborough Street, Boston.
Former WGBH radio announcer Steve Schwartz will lead a conversation with Blake on his life in music.
According to a press release, “In a career that’s spanned nearly six decades, pianist Ran Blake has created a unique niche in improvised music as an artist and educator. With a characteristic mix of spontaneous solos, modern classical tonalities, the great American blues and gospel traditions, and themes from classic film noir, Blake’s singular sound has earned a dedicated following all over the world. His dual musical legacy includes more than 40 albums on some of the world’s finest jazz labels, as well 40 years as a groundbreaking educator at Boston’s New England Conservatory.”
Musicians of note who studied with Blake at NEC include Don Byron, Matthew Shipp and John Medeski.
Full bio at RanBlake.com.
Ran Blake to Receive Lifetime Achievement Award
Pianist/composer co-founded NEC’s Contemporary Improvisation Department