RAY BLUE
work
#7 on the Jazzweek Chart
in December 2019
Listed on Notable Releases of 2019 by W. Royal Stokes, JJA
WORK is available on Amazon, iTunes, Believe Digital, Spotify and more.
“The songs on “Work” demonstrate an enthusiasm for old-school jazz and a swinging style. Blue’s approach finds him making his tenor sax sound like a baritone, and creating soundscapes that erase the present day, and transport listeners back in time through sound.
Blue’s saxophone takes on the lyrical line, but the effect is smooth not just bleating notes per word…there is an art to the interpretation…Together, the musicians bring to life the approaches to jazz that have not been heard in decades and are a must-hear for new and veteran jazz fans.”
DODIE MILLER-GOULD
Napcloud Review
RAY BLUE/Work: Leading with a deep, full tone, this sax man keeps it light and bouncy... Rolling out a bunch of lesser known oldies he puts his sure fingered stamp on, Blue and the gang keep the good times rolling in a fine, easy fashion. Killer stuff that’s just so much fun.
CHRIS SPECTOR, Editor and Publisher
Midwest Record (8/31/2019)
“Ray Blue is a tenor saxophonist with a big tone with a pleasant-sounding and satisfying approach to the music he plays…”
PETER GIROUX, Audioaudition
“The tenor-saxophonist Ray Blue breathes energy and optimism on the cover song of his new album, entitled Work. The most curious thing is that his music leaves the same impression.”
LEONID AUSKERN, Jazzquad Russia
"A soulful performance with varied repertoire, Ray Blue’s “Work” offers novel arrangements and creative musical expression. There’s nothing quite like the comforting warmth of tenor saxophone front and center…Ray Blue’s fluid, lyrical style is technically solid... The exquisite, evocative melodies are delivered with convincing feeling and emotion."
JOE ROSS, Roots Music Report
“Hip to the max tenor sax Ray Blue – WORK: Ray’s playing is the ultimate in hip to the max tenor sax…”
Rotcod Zzaj, Contemporary Fusion Review
“…guided by the warm sound of the leader's tenor sax…a follower of tradition that exudes swing from every note, able to invent melodies as well as colleagues from the past, to create stories that are always different, full of fantasy."
VITTORIO LO CONTE, Music Zoom, Italy
"Tenor saxophonist Ray Blue owns a deep tone and melodic style that makes this recording a smooth and inviting experience with his quietly creative music. This is a selection of songs performed with sensitivity and creativity – a very fine jazz collection."
GRADY HARP, Amazon Review
"A CD that pleasantly surprised me, melodic, that mixes the old school with soul jazz."
PATRICK VAN DE WIELE
Keys and Chords, Online Music Magazine
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