About

Johnathan Blake’s 2021 Blue Note debut Homeward Bound was a celebration of life and legacy that introduced the drummer-composer’s masterful modern jazz quintet Pentad featuring alto saxophonist Immanuel Wilkins, vibraphonist Joel Ross, keyboardist David Virelles, and bassist Dezron Douglas. The 8-song set is imbued with warmth and swing as heard on the album’s emotional and musical centerpiece, “Homeward Bound (for Ana Grace),” a tribute to Ana Grace Marquez-Greene, the daughter of saxophonist Jimmy Greene and flutist Nelba Marquez-Greene, who perished in the Sandy Hook tragedy. Other standout Blake originals include “Rivers & Parks,” a piece that evokes the distinctive musical styles of both Sam Rivers and Aaron Parks, and the uptempo burner “LLL” dedicated to drummer Larence “Lo” Leathers. The album also looked to unusual sources of repertoire with a stunning arrangement of the South African traditional “Abiyoyo” and a rousing cover of Joe Jackson’s 1982 hit “Steppin’ Out.” — (via Label)

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In 2006, Johnathan Blake was the drummer in trumpeter Tom Harrell’s band when fellow bandmate, saxophonist Jimmy Greene, announced the birth of his baby girl. Six years later, Ana’s tragic death along with 19 of her classmates and six teachers at Sandy Hook Elementary School shook the world to its core, especially those in the community who knew Greene, his wife, Nelba Marquez, and their precious little girl. Ana’s spirt remains as a touchstone in Blake’s memory, as he memorializes her life with a song and an album dedicated to her.

Yet Homeward Bound is not a requiem — rather, it’s a celebration of life and legacy, bursting with exuberance and lighthearted energy. The title track unfolds gently with a loping ostinato bass line from Blake’s longtime musical mate Dezron Douglas, growing more urgent with lightning-fast trades between altoist Immanuel Wilkins and vibraphonist Joel Ross, continuing with no less velocity down a more thoughtful row by pianist David Virelles. “Rivers & Parks” is a clever homage to both Sam Rivers and Aaron Parks, with a short-form 16-bar tune written as they might have.

Overall, the music dances with the unencumbered abandon of a 6-year-old. “Shakin’ The Biscuits” is Eddie Harris-styled jazz-funk, fun and fierce. “Abiyoyo” is a waltz-like African lullaby that precedes the fireworks of the uptempo “LLL” and a delightfully unpredictable version of Joe Jackson’s 1982 chart-topper “Steppin’ Out,” featuring an epic Coltrane-inspired solo by Wilkins and an even more grandiose drumming fantasy by Blake. – (via Down Beat)

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About the Blue Note Tone Poet Series:

The Tone Poet Audiophile Vinyl Reissue Series was born out of Blue Note President Don Was’ admiration for the exceptional audiophile Blue Note LP reissues presented by Music Matters. Was brought Joe Harley, a.k.a. the “Tone Poet,” on board to curate and supervise a series of reissues from the Blue Note family of labels.

Extreme attention to detail has been paid to getting these right in every conceivable way, from the jacket graphics and printing quality to superior LP mastering by Kevin Gray to superb 180g audiophile LP pressings by Record Technology Inc. Every aspect of these Tone Poet releases is done to the highest possible standard. It means that you will never find a superior version. This is IT.

This stereo Tone Poet Vinyl Edition was produced by Joe Harley, mastered by Kevin Gray (Cohearent Audio), pressed on 180g vinyl at Record Technology Inc. (RTI), and packaged in a deluxe gatefold tip-on jacket.

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Label: Blue Note
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album, Reissue, 180 Gram, Gatefold
Released: 2025
Genre: Jazz
Style: Modern / Future Jazz

File under: Jazz // Blue Note Tone Poet
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