THE �UINTET �from left� �oe Ross , �e�ron �ouglas , �ohnathan �lake , �avid �irelles and Immanuel �ilkins
�OR��LIFE ME�LE�
Blake has played in several bands , starting with the Oliver Lake Big Band , Roy Hargrove and David Sanchez . His contributions to the Mingus Big Band helped them win Grammy nominations in 2002 and 2003 , and he has been amember of the Tom Harrell �uintet , the �enny Barron Trio and the Maria Schneider Orchestra .
Schneider says she knew she wanted Blake to play in her orchestra after she watched him perform . His energy and warmth captivated her and has been one of the reasons she continues to play with him . His ability to collaborate and listen with other artists is what makes him such a successful musician to work with , she says . When he plays with other artists , he comes to the table and listens to what they are doing and collaborates with them , instead of taking their work and trying to improve it .
“ If you hear Johnathan play with musicians , the level of communication and response and connectivity that you hear is a marvel , and it ’ s really fun to witness and hear players connecting on such a deep level . It ’ s a real art to have that level of listening ,” Schneider says . Blake plans to tour in Europe with Maria Schneider ’ s Orchestra to perform their Grammy award-winning album . Blake says his two children , ages 16 and 14 , are his priority . His son is
following the family tradition of jazz appreciation , and attended Montclair State University ’ sJazz House �ids Summer Camp .
Touring , teaching and being a family man requires strong time management skills . “ It ’ s definitely been a challenge balancing my career and my home life ,” Blake says . “ But my family will always come first . I also try to use the month of August as family vacation time , and when I can , Itry to take them on tour with me .”
He has some advice for up-andcomers : Strive to develop new skills and never give up . “ I think the good times outweigh the bad ,” Blake says . “ There ’ s going to be times where it ’ s going to be a struggle , but if you work hard and are diligent , that makes it that much more rewarding .” ■
@ waynemagazine WAYNE MAGAZINE BACK TO SCHOOL 2021 ��