Press Kit
“He once again confirms why he is one of the most distinguished technicians on the Warr.”
Biography
Labeled as “one of the most distinguished technicians on the Warr” and “a master of his craft,” Jason Blake is a Warr guitarist from Chicago. The Warr guitar is a twelve-string instrument incorporating the range of a guitar and bass. It is played by tapping the strings, a technique known as touchstyle guitar.
Blake plays with his band, Aziola Cry, a progressive rock trio consisting of Warr guitar, guitar, and drums. Their latest album, The Ironic Divide was released in 2021 on Sensory Records and was named “Instrumental Progressive Metal Album of the Year” by Sonic Perspectives.
As a solo artist, Blake releases progressive music on Trey Gunn’s (King Crimson) 7d Media label. His most recent release, A Confusion Sequence, has been called, “a collection that further cements his reputation as one of modern progressive music’s most innovative voices.”
As an expressive solo project, Blake explores dynamic instrumental pieces on the Warr Guitar fusing progressive structures, advanced harmony, and raw musical storytelling into a sound that is intricate, emotive, and completely unique. He has taken his “one man band” on the road having performed at many different venues across the Midwest and beyond.
Audio
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Press
“A Confusion Sequence stands as a masterclass in progressive instrumental music, showcasing Jason Blake’s continued evolution as a composer and performer. His unique approach to the Warr Guitar, combined with Marco Minnemann’s extraordinary drumming, creates a sonic landscape that’s both technically impressive and emotionally engaging.”
“Jason Blake drives in his own lane and just keeps pumping out great and interesting music. ”
“Jason Blake is really a master of his craft.”
“Blake’s mastery of the Warr is evident, and his technical and compositional proficiency is matched only by his emotive playing.”
“Subsequent Ruins is a beautiful and powerful album. The grand mix of various styles are making Jason Blake emerge as an important figure in the creative metal prog world of 2023.”
“...engaging, unpredictable, instrumental exploration of an incredibly diverse sounding instrument delivered with impeccable precision.”
“Track by track, Subsequent Ruins is as top notch as its crystal ball, revealing the tragic consequences that Blake envisions. And where will he go next? We may never know.”
“...the finest melodic filigree, woven from heavy riffs, hypnotic grooves and crystalline lines.”
“Warr guitarist Jason Blake and drummer Marco Minnemann make a formidable duo on Subsequent Ruins. ”
“A true super duo of modern prog is at work here. Real listening pleasure for friends of such music.”
“...beautifully sculptured, wholly embodied, magnificently organic new album.”
Calendar
Cities played: Chicago, IL; Aurora, IL; Batavia, IL; Berwyn, IL; Bloomington, IL; Chapel Hill, NC; Crown Point, IN; Dewitt, MI; Downers Grove, IL; Farmington, MI; Ferndale, MI; Fox Lake, IL; Gaylord, MI; Geneva, IL; Grand Rapids, MI; Hobart, IN; Hodgkins, IL; Iowa City, IA; Jackson, MI; Lake Mills, WI; Libertyville, IL; Lincoln, NE; Lisle, IL: Long Grove, IL; Lockport, IL; Madison, WI; Milwaukee, WI; Mundelein, IL; Naperville, IL; New Berlin, IL; Pickerington, OH; Rockford, IL; Royal Oak, MI; Rutherford, NJ; St Charles, IL; Tinley Park, IL; Toledo, OH; Urbana, IL; Valparaiso, IN; West Dundee, IL; Yorkville, IL; Ypsilanti, MI