Ron Francis Blake gets a weigh in on “Assimilation,” from WTJU Jazz! Rogers Says; Ron Francis Blake – Assimilation (Self-produced): Having played in support of Poncho Sanchez, Green Day, Ziggy Marley, and Ben Harper among others, Ron Francis Blake (trumpet, flugelhorn) has stepped out as a leader and dedicated his first release to his father who supported his love of many styles and encouraged him to follow his heart. Blake wrote or co-wrote five of the seven songs on the disc and describes his music as “inspired by Miles Davis’ Kind of Blue along with the latin rhythms and sound of Cal Tjader”. The result is an engaging and fresh delight. Participating musicians include Ron Hardt (tenor sax, flute, bass clarinet); Francisco Torres (trombone); Andy Langham and Joe Rotondi (piano); Rene Camacho and Dante Pascuzzo (bass); Nick Mancini (vibes); Jimmy Branly (drums); Joey De Leon (timbales, percussion); Steve Giraldo (vocals); special guests Poncho Sanchez (congas, quuada); Seamus Blake and Walt Weiskopf (tenor sax); Andy Abad (guitar) and Adonis Puentes (vocal); and a special brass ensemble featuring Wayne Bergeron and Javier Gonzales (flugelhorn); Lisa McCormick and Tawnee Lillo (French horns); Andy Martin (trombone) and Francisco Torres (bass trombone) on three songs. A fresh and engaging sound. “
