I have some upcoming dates on the calendar for shows in Ohio and Michigan. I will be performing solo pulling mainly from three albums: Imaginary Cages, Subsequent Ruins, and an upcoming album. Quenched and Tempered is a great brewery in Toledo that I have visited and love their beer. I will be playing a two hour set. Ziggy’s in Ypsilanti will be more of a rocking 45 minute set with a local bass guitarist opening the show. Dessert Oasis will be another two hour set in the cool and chilled environment of Dessert Oasis. More information on each show may be found in the events section of the site.
Music In Widescreen
Thanks Music in Widescreen for playing “Drawn and Distrait” on the program last night. Listen to the show below:
https://musicinwidescreen.com/2023/04/16/1004-kite-parade-retro/
On Metal AUSault Radio
“Abstractions of Thought” was played yesterday on Metal AUSault Radio out of Australia. Thanks to all the radio stations that play my music!
ProgNaut Top 20 List of 2022
I am honored to be included in the ProgNaut Top 20 list of 2022 albums. Imaginary Cages was truly a labor of love for me and to see it recognized means a lot to me. Watch the video and see the complete list at: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=meFD93ES3mA
New Show Added
I will be performing a solo set warming up for District 97 at Reggies. More information may be found in the events section of the site or at: https://www.reggieslive.com/show/district-97-9/
Live Photos from The Piazza
Live Photos from the June 12th gig at The Piazza with The Cyberiam have now been posted in the media section. Thanks to Eric Walsh for taking some great shots.
Episodes 1-6 Released Today!
New Noise Magazine has premiered Episodes 1-6 of the “Imaginary Cages” video series. Watch and read about it here:
https://newnoisemagazine.com/video-premiere-jason-blake-imaginary-cages-album-playthrough/
Episodes 1-6 Released Tomorrow
Episodes 1-6 of the “Imaginary Cages” videos will be released tomorrow. Look for the press release in the morning.
Music Street Journal Review
Check out this track by track review of “Imaginary Cages.” Thanks Music Street Journal!
http://www.musicstreetjournal.com/index_cdreviews_display.cfm?id=107897
Live on “Music In Widescreen” Tonight
Join me tonight live on-air as I discuss my new album, “Imaginary Cages” and play songs from it. Listen here: https://progrock.com
Solo Gig Announcement
I will be playing a warm up set for The Cyberiam on June 12th at The Piazza in Aurora, Illinois. Tickets may be purchased here: https://wl.seetickets.us/event/The-Cyberiam/474199?afflky=NTLProductions
Thanks!
Thank you to everyone that came out to the Uncommon Ground show last night! It was also great to hear such amazing musicianship from Tim Seisser and Sonus Umbra. More solo dates coming soon.
Sold Out
The show at Uncommon Ground has sold out! I’m looking forward to this night.
Betreutes Proggen Review
“He once again confirms why he is one of the most distinguished technicians on the Warr.” Read the full review: https://www.betreutesproggen.de/2022/03/jason-blake-imaginary-cages/
Sea of Tranquility Review
“It’s a thought provoking album that’s requires the full attention of the listener to take on board all of the nuances within the playing.” Read the full review here: https://www.seaoftranquility.org/reviews.php?op=showcontent&id=23593
Solo Performance
Join me for a solo performance of the “Imaginary Cages” album along with some reinterpretations of older material and some new songs. The night begins with an instrumental set by Sonus Umbra, followed by Tim Seisser (District 97) playing a solo bass performance.
Tickets may be purchased here: https://www.simpletix.com/e/jason-blake-w-sonus-umbra-tim-seisser-of-d-tickets-102000
“Constructing Imaginary Cages”
Check out this interview where I talk about the concept and recording of “Imaginary Cages.”
"Imaginary Cages" Out Today!
My new album of solo Warr guitar, “Imaginary Cages” was released today on Wayfarer Records in digital (normal and 24 bit high-res) formats and compact disc (digipack with artwork by Hajo Müller). It may be purchased here: https://jasonblake.bandcamp.com or streamed from your favorite service.
Progressive Rock Journal Interview
Taken from Progressive Rock Journal:
> A 6-track album in the form of a concept, what is the theme that binds the songs?
“I would say that the overall theme of the album is isolation. I had this idea of our mind as a cage that we sometimes live in. For some people this may be seen as daydreaming or being lost in our thoughts. For others this may be mental obstacles that prohibit us from doing what we would like to do. On the extreme side, these are the people who have appeared to have “lost their mind” and no longer make sense to the rest of society.“
> A work that incorporates different genres and styles, how would you describe the music on the album?
“I wanted it grounded in a progressive rock sound first and foremost so that it almost acted as an extension of what I’m doing in Aziola Cry. I tend to compose in odd time signatures, so I definitely didn’t stop myself from writing in a similar way. What I did differently was not restrict myself solely to a more rock vibe but incorporate my appreciation for classical music as well. Ultimately, I wanted the playing to sound like me and different from the solo touchstyle music that is already out there. In terms of following the storyline, I liked that each of the six pieces worked together to form a cohesive whole, but also had unique characteristics that separated them.“
> How does the sound of the album differ from that of your band Aziola Cry?
“Like I mentioned, I hear a lot of similarities between the two and that was intentional. The last song, “Denouement of Logic” could almost be an Aziola Cry song. My original goal was to create an album that did not require guitar and drums. It had nothing to do with not wanting to play with the guys, but rather setting a challenge for myself to see what it would sound like.“
> Many will wonder if there will be the possibility to listen to your music live, do you have any plans for that?
“I do. I have two shows already lined up for next month. One is in Chicago and the other is in Milwaukee. I plan to expand on this, and book further shows after I finish up an album that I am working on with another project that I am involved with called Backward Sky Falling.
Also, I recorded a somewhat live video of each of the songs which will be released over time. They were shot in black and white and contain short animations that help further tell the story. At this point, episodes one and two have premiered and may be viewed on my YouTube channel.
> In the album you explore the sounds of the Warr Guitar, tell us more about this instrument and its characteristics.
“The Warr guitar is a twelve string touchstyle instrument which means that you play it by taping the strings. The nature of the instrument allows for a lot of sonic possibilities. From interlocking lines to guitar and bass playing simultaneously to an almost percussive attack. I tried to incorporate the many possibilities of the instrument into each of the songs. If you go to my website, jasonblakemusic.com, you can find pictures of the different Warr guitars that I play.“
Progressive Rock Journal Exclusive Stream of "Imaginary Cages"
I am excited for everyone to hear my new album of solo Warr guitar. Progressive Rock Journal has partnered with me to bring an exclusive pre-release stream of the album. Also, included is a short interview that I recently did for the magazine. Click below to read the interview and listen to the album: