Saturday, October 24, 2009

Improvisation on Film Noir

At the New England Conservatory, now celebrating 40 years of its jazz studies program, pianist Ran Blake teaches a class on film noir. (Photo: Jonah Kraut)When Ran Blake closes his eyes to interpret a soundtrack, it's as if the classic film The Spiral Staircase plays against his eyelids.

Blake's unusual approach to piano playing combines modern and classical harmonies, folk and church music and jazz.

On his 36th album, Driftwoods, Blake interprets his favorite vocalists.


Audio: NPR's Weekend Edition Saturday, . Host: Scott Simon.
Reporter: Andrea Shea - WBUR, Boston

No comments:

Post a Comment