Jazz Spotlight with Seamus Blake, tenor saxophone

Seamus Blake is a renowned tenor saxophonist and composer celebrated for his virtuosic playing and innovative contributions to contemporary jazz. In 2002, Blake won the prestigious Thelonious Monk International Saxophone Competition. Known for his bold improvisations and sophisticated compositions, he has released over a dozen albums as a leader, including *The Call* (1993), *Way Out Willy* (2007), and *Guardians of the Heart Machine* (2019), showcasing his versatility across post-bop, fusion, and electronic jazz. In June 2026 Seamus will release “EH!” A tribute to Eddie Harris on the Cellar live label. In addition to leading his own bands Seamus has toured recently with Roger Waters (Pink Floyd). Past collaborations include artists such as John Scofield, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Bill Stewart and the Mingus Big Band. Blake’s dynamic performances and masterful technique have solidified his reputation as one of the most influential saxophonists of his generation.

 Trumpets 

• 1 Ethan Gajda   

• 2 Li Bingcheng

• 3 Garret Ruffell 

• 4 Tyler Heuerman

Trombones   

• 1 Lucas Davis

• 2 Issac Avila 

• 3 Chelsea Deane

• Bass Ryan Viers 

Saxophones 

• alto 1 Lincoln Walker 

• alto 2 William Kale

• tenor 1 Cole Johnson 

• tenor 2 Michael Wallace

• baritone Lydia Hallman 

Rhythm Section 

• piano Dylan Rees 

• piano Ted Wang

• guitar Liam O’Hara 

• bass Gwen Krupp

• bass Robert Stygles 

• drums & cymbals Jude Crawford

 Trumpets 

• 1 Alyssa Brannon

Trumpets 

• 1 Lucas Vile  

• 2 Eliana Peron

• 3 Jonathan Blanco 

• 4 Abby Jesso 
  
  and Li Bingcheng

Trombones  

• 1 Andrew Aber

• 2 Daniel Herman 

• 3 Caitlyn Osborne

• bass Xander Soural  

Saxophones 

• alto 1 Phillip Kapp 

• alto 2 Logan Krueger

• tenor 1 Keller Shea

• tenor 2 Joey Height

• Baritone Sam Valancy 

Rhythm Section 

• piano Jonathan Guelfand

• piano Lucas Glenn

• guitar Juan Ramirez  

• bass Danny Yang 

• bass Nina Petersheim

• drums & cymbals Maxton Welch