Saxophonist Jon Irabagon, the 2008 Thelonius Monk Competition champion, is known for breaking boundaries whether in the jazz, avant-garde, or doom metal realms. He has topped virtually every worldwide instrumental poll over the last ten years. Jon is joined by pianist Burnett Thompson to launch the Reformation, Age of Mayhem project, secular and profane music of the 16th century in a new light.

“Saxophonist Jon Irabagon is a subverter of the jazz form, a revolutionary.” New York Jazz Record

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A native of Japan, pianist Martha Kato won the coveted Herb Alpert Young Jazz Composer Award and 2nd prize at the Montreux Jazz Festival. Martha studied with Kenny Barron at the Juilliard School, and is enjoying a blossoming career in New York, Europe, and Japan. She is a frequent performer at every major New York jazz venue.

Watch Martha Kato Live at the Blue Note

This concert is supported by the Embassy of Japan.

Pianist Bruce Barth, a major force in the jazz world, has performed at most major venues in the U.S and Japan, and pretigious festivals throughout Europe. Throughout his professional life, Bruce has had extended collaborations with Terell Stafford & Tony Bennett. He has performed with James Moody, Phil Woods, Freddie Hubbard Branford Marsalis, and the Mingus Big Band.

"Pianist Barth digs deep to his true soul in the keyboard language, self-assured and full of ideas." Downbeat

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Bassist Alex Blake, one of the most creative and singular artists in the international music scene, began his career at age 16 with the Sun Ra Arkestra, followed by Dizzy Gillespie and a host of other headliners. The last 20 years were spent traveling worldwide with NEA Jazz Master Randy Weston.

"incredible virtuosity combined with inventive musicality in a fashion that was stunningly entertaining.” The Los Angeles Times

Watch Alex Blake Live at the Blue Note