Ron Blake: Scratch Band

7ten33 PRODUCTIONS 002 (RELEASED AUGUST 8, 2025)

Keeping music simple and soulful is a characteristic of scratch bands that one can hear in the Virgin Islands. Having grown up in that part of the world, saxophonist Ron Blake is well aware of this musical tradition that makes music enjoyable, engaging and honest. While traditional scratch bands perform folk music, the music on Ron Blake’s Scratch Band is steeped in the jazz tradition. That is quickly evident on the opening track, “Bassman,” a classic calypso penned by Winston Baily (aka Mighty Shadow). Accompanied by bassist Reuben Rogers and drummer John Hadfield, Blake’s staccato phrases and muscular tone are reminiscent of Sonny Rollins’ style of calypso playing. With Rogers providing a solid foundation, Blake switches to baritone as he breathes new life into the jazz chestnut “Body and Soul.” The musical interaction between Blake and Rogers is uncanny as they weave musical lines through two Blake originals — the ballad “Grace Ann” and the folk-like melody of “Song for Maya.” The angular “Another Level,” written by Roy Hargrove, reaffirms the close musical relationship between Blake and Rogers, who appeared on several of Blake’s earlier recordings. “Lift Every Voice and Sing” is delivered with the passion and pathos it deserves as the Black National Anthem with Rogers stating the melody accompanied with Hadfield’s deft brush work. Blake finally adds his voice to the duo with a heartfelt solo. Other tunes on Scratch Band include The Caribbean feel of Blake’s original “Appointment,” the sensuality of the Cuban “La Conga de Juana” and the slow burning closer “April Fools,” with Hadfield using his full arsenal of percussive devices reminiscent of Airto to accentuate the simple melody. Whether he is playing tenor, baritone or soprano, Scratch Band gives Blake an opportunity to do what he does best — keep music simple and soulful much like the scratch bands he heard growing up in the Virgin Islands.

BOTTOM LINE: There is something honest about the music on Scratch Band. Whether they are playing originals, standards, a calypso or a Roy Hargrove tune, saxophonist Ron Blake, bassist Reuben Rogers and drummer John Hadfield make simple melodies soulful, swinging and sensuous without a lot of fuss. What could be more honest than that?