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.
