photos by Amy Schwartz
Progressive music portal The Progspace is hosting the exclusive video premiere for “Rift And Reckoning,” the new single from JASON BLAKE. This is the lone single previewing the prolific Chicago-based Warr guitarist’s impending Candles Burn EP featuring cellist Raphael Weinroth-Browne, nearing April 5th release on 7d Media, the label operated by former King Crimson member Trey Gunn.
When not performing and recording with his progressive metal band Aziola Cry, JASON BLAKE is extremely productive as a solo musician, having released nearly a dozen solo titles over the past three years alone. His first solo release of 2024 comes in the form of the succinct and absorbing Candles Burn EP. Evenly split between progressive rock and classical chamber music, Candles Burn tells a tale of redemption, with the unique and mesmerizing sounds of his touchstyle Warr guitar style intertwined with the skillful work of cellist Raphael Weinroth-Browne (Leprous, Musk Ox, The Visit); a modern string duo record unlike any other.
JASON BLAKE began composing material for what was going to be the follow up to 2023’s Subsequent Ruins album which saw him paired with drummer Marco Minnemann (Steven Wilson, Joe Satriani, Necrophagist) when he realized that this music could be something different. For the three-song EP, JASON BLAKE used his semi-hollow Artisan Warr guitar in order to match the acoustic tone of the cello. His guitar parts were recorded and engineered by Amery Schmeisser at Gravel Road Recording in Chicago, who also mixed the album using Raphael Weinroth-Browne’s cello contributions which he self-recorded at home in Ottawa. The tracks were mastered by Andy VanDette (Rush, Porcupine Tree) and the record was completed with artwork by Robert Booth and design by Fumihito Sugawara / Fumanstudios, who also created the new animated video for “Rift And Reckoning.”
BLAKE states, “This song has an emotional component to it that I really like and Raphael’s playing perfectly captures the tone of this part of the story. Working with Fumihito on this video was a pleasure. I had a general idea for the storyline, but wanted the visuals to be much more. He succeeded in creating the perfect accompaniment to the song.”
The video for “Rift And Reckoning,” by JASON BLAKE featuring Raphael Weinroth-Browne, is now playing at The Progspace RIGHT HERE.
Candles Burn will be released on CD and all digital platforms through 7d Media on April 5th. Find preorders HERE.
Candles Burn acts as a bridge between Subsequent Ruins and what JASON BLAKE has in store for his next progressive rock album, which is likely to be released later this year amidst additional solo material and a new Aziola Cry album.
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