Ran Blake's “All That Is Tied” is like discovering a hidden treasure chest in the vast ocean of Jazz. Released back in 2006 on the Tompkins Square label, this solo album marks two significant milestones in Blake's career - celebrating 40 years since his first solo recording and his 70th birthday.
The album features 12 original compositions, each providing a glimpse into Blake's soulful piano mastery. It takes the listener on a journey through the artist's legendary career, touching upon every nuance of his distinctive style. These tunes may be short, but they hit you like a lightning bolt, encapsulating the essence of this underrated maestro's legacy.
Blake's music is not your run-of-the-mill swing. It is a surreal narrative, painting vivid pictures with each note. As you listen, it's like being whisked away into a dreamscape, where time loses its grip, and you're lost in a mesmerizing trance.
Praised by the Penguin Guide to Jazz with a stellar four-star rating and crowned with affection speaks volumes about its impact on the Jazz scene. But, of course, not everyone was on board. Thomas Conrad's review in JazzTimes found the compositions austere and laborious, stating that “a program of unrelieved, halting, gnarly Blake compositions makes for an austere evening… There is no pleasure in reporting that for me it is the longest 43 minutes of the jazz year to date.”
But hey, Jazz is all about personal connection, right? And what may be a snooze fest for one could be a riveting journey for another.
In the end, “All That Is Tied” is a must-have for any Jazz aficionado. Blake's brilliance, audacity, and fearless approach to music are evident in “All That Is Tied.” This album is a testament to his passion, thirst for exploration, and playful spirit. So, if you're craving something a bit outside the norm, give “All That Is Tied" a spin. You might just find yourself lost in the most captivating 43 minutes of Jazz you've experienced all year.
"You must surrender whatever preconceptions you have about music if you're really interested in it."
— Cecil Taylor