New Chicago Date Added
I will be performing as part of a four-band bill at Livewire Lounge in Chicago. Sons of Ra headlines the evening. More information may be found here.
2026
With 2025 behind us, I’m excited for the year ahead and what it will bring. Last year my main focus was playing as much as possible. I performed over thirty shows across seven states and met so many great people along the way. In between, I released several singles that had been recorded the year prior, including “Almost Entirely Forgotten” with Marco Minnemann, a few cover songs, and a short EP titled Infinite Fade. Releasing this music felt important—it marked the closing of a chapter and helped clear space for what’s coming next.
Over the past year, my focus has begun to narrow, and that direction is starting to take shape.
First, I’ve been spending time revisiting and relearning Aziola Cry material. While it’s always lived somewhere in my subconscious, this music demands a deeper, more deliberate return to fully reconnect with all the nuances and odd moments I tend to write into it. This is in preparation for a new Aziola Cry album set for release early this year, along with plans for upcoming shows.
Second, alongside this, I’m beginning work on my next solo album. Still in the planning phase, this record represents a renewed focus and a significant creative effort. Basic demos are already recorded, with plans to spend the first half of 2026 assembling the intended contributions. I’m extremely excited about where this music is heading. Additionally, for the first time, I’m ahead of the curve with new Aziola Cry material, and I plan to begin recording it later this year.
Finally, I have new solo performances in the works and may release an ambient collaborative album that’s been quietly developing on and off over the last few years.
Wishing everyone a great year—hope to see you out there.
New Live Videos
I have uploaded a few new videos to my YouTube channel (also found in the video section) of me playing the three “Into” songs from The Infinite Fade. These come from a performance that occurred before the album was recorded so they show a somewhat “work in progress” version of each of the songs.
Heavy Metal Darkness Review
“Infinite Fade” stands as a focused, well-realized release from an artist who continues to evolve without losing direction. Read the full review at https://heavy-metal-darkness.blogspot.com/2025/11/jason-blake-infinite-fade-self-release.html
January Shows Added
I have added two shows to my January schedule as a warmup for Lateralus. These shows will be in Hobart, IN and Libertyville, IL. Details may be found here.
Profil Prog Review
“Blake brilliantly masters his Warr guitar, and his performances are impressive, proving to be complex but also very melodic.” Read the full review at https://www.profilprog.com/quick-reviews-2/jason-blake
Echoes and Dust Review
“For those who like to get into the dooming power and complexity that Jason has endured with his majestic fingers throughout his Warr Guitar, then prepare for the Infinite Fade to begin, because it’s going to be one hell of a ride that you’ll never, ever forget.” Read the full review at Jason Blake – Infinite Fade | Echoes And Dust
Intimate Record Store Show
I will be performing an intimate show at Andy’s Records in Grayslake, IL next week. For more information, please visit Andy’s Records Live with JT2 (squared) – Andy’s Records
Selective Memory Interview
I recently did an interview with Selective Memory where I discussed my latest EP, Aziola Cry, and music in Chicago. Please read the full interview at Fade to Grey: The instrumental mastery of Warr guitarist Jason Blake | Selective Memory
Bloomington Show Added
A new show has been added to the calendar. I will be warming up for Lateralus in Bloomington, IL. This is one of my favorite venues to play at. Tickets may be purchased at: The Castle Theatre
Metal Digest Review
"Jason Blake is back with his weird, enormous guitar"
Read the full review at: https://metal-digest.com/2025/10/17/jason-blake-infinite-fade/?fbclid=IwdGRleANfIlNleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHs37vCIeUkC39C6Pw1fhgrVzvVoyO3_4tzfQWKK7YOyuh0tlDAmzARKQCNwk_aem_6_3g5f_H54dsqYiQrXlIgw
Infinite Fade Out Today
My new EP is out today! Purchase it now at Infinite Fade | Jason Blake
I had the idea to create a story about the decline of a futuristic civilization. As I began composing the music for this album, I decided to have it follow in the format of a Greek tragedy. While the majority of the songs are technically solo pieces, I did use a Wazinator DropKick stompbox pedal to add a percussive element. For tracks six and seven, I included drums by my Aziola Cry bandmate, Tommy Murray. I wanted the entire album to build up to the conclusion of the story and so I decided to include drums on the final two songs. Of my solo releases, I would say that this closest resembles my writing for Aziola Cry.
Beyond the conceptual idea, the music was written with live performance in mind as each of the songs have been performed as part of my solo Warr Guitar shows. While I haven’t played the album in its entirety on stage yet, I do have plans of making this happen.
Pre-order Infinite Fade
I had the idea to create a story about the decline of a futuristic civilization. As I began composing the music for this album, I decided to have it follow in the format of a Greek tragedy. While the majority of the songs are technically solo pieces, I did use a Wazinator DropKick stompbox pedal to add a percussive element. For tracks six and seven, I included drums by my Aziola Cry bandmate, Tommy Murray. I wanted the entire album to build up to the conclusion of the story and so I decided to include drums on the final two songs. Of my solo releases, I would say that this closest resembles my writing for Aziola Cry.
Preorder the album here.
Des Moines
I will be opening for Lateralus in Des Moines, IA. I’m looking forward to playing Wooly’s for the first time. Buy your tickets at https://www.firstfleetconcerts.com/events/detail/lateralus-tool-tribute-1050829
Opening for Alex Skolnick Trio
I am excited to announce that I will be opening for the Alex Skolnick Trio at Reggies Banana Shack on Thursday, November 20th. For tickets and more information, please visit https://www.ticketweb.com/event/alex-skolnick-trio-jason-blake-reggies-banannas-shack-tickets/13915864
Opening for Lateralus Tonight
I will be performing an opening set tonight at Salerno’s in Hodgkins, IL as part of the Lateralus Tool Tribute show. I will be trying something different and also debuting a couple new songs. Hope to see you there!
COV3RS
In between writing music for a new album, I decided to learn a few covers that have been inspirational to me on my journey to being a Warr Guitarist. Last month, I released my version of “Forty Six & 2” by Tool and today saw the release of a new single for “Tom Sawyer” by Rush. Out today exclusively on my Bandcamp page completes this fun project. COV3RS includes the two previously mentioned tracks along with King Crimson’s “Red”. I hope that you enjoy my takes on these classics.
Tom Sawyer
Tomorrow will see the digital release of my cover of Tom Sawyer by Rush. Listen on your favorite digital platform.
Beyond the Fringe
The most recent Beyond the Fringe show featured my song “Pretending to Breathe”. It’s nice to see this song receive some love as it is one of my favorites from the album and one that I recently added to my set lists.
https://www.kcbx.org/show/beyond-the-fringe