Saxophonist, Composer - Blake Lyman - News

The Bison - Visual Evidence

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0800

If any of you had doubts as to the existence of the Sorta Bison Trio, there's now photographic proof on the photos section of this site, taken at our last gig at the Camellia Lounge on February 18. No, I'm not talking about blurry Big Foot photos, or under developed Loch Ness photos. Please - photographic technology has evolved light years since then. What I'm talking about are blurry, under developed photos taken with a cell phone. Check them out.

If you've seen the Bison in action, prepare to be underwhelmed. If you haven't, prepare to be intrigued.

Neglectful No More

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0800

Looks like it's been about seven months since anything's been added to this section of the site. Actually, aside from the calendar, not much happens to this thing other than those obnoxious emails everyone's been getting from me*. There's not much reasoning behind this, other than there hasn't been much to update: gigs have been going strong, the Blake Lyman Trio and the newly named Sorta Bison Trio have been gaining traction, solo gigs at Iorio Restaurant are going along as well, and a few smattering of duet gigs with Ben Graves have been coming up here and there.

Now there's something else: the Camellia Lounge Jazz Jam. Yes, we all know the Camellia Lounge from Sorta Bison Trio gigs and emails detailing a location that seems like a Russian nesting doll (Camellia Lounge: Tea Zone: Pearl District: Portland). And once you'd figured out that the Camellia Lounge was a cool place, you'd have to decipher their schedule of biweekly jam sessions hosted by the esteemed Noah Bernstein. Well no more! Starting February 9, Camellia Lounge Jazz Jams will be happening every week, with hosting duties alternating between Mr. Bernstein and myself. So come on out every Tuesday to play. I'll be there sometimes; sometimes I won't.

Since I seem to be a neglectful web host (see: 7 months between posts), I've also taken this opportunity the music section of my site. A few new tracks from the December '09 Vinideus gig with the BLT have been added. After boosting the volume in the ol' computer they've come out prettier than ever (sound quality, not performance or composition [let's not kid ourselves]). So enjoy these three new tracks. They're songs I wrote for no one or thing in particular.

Frequent visitors (apparently only my family falls into this category) may have noticed a rotating group of event posters in the upper left of this website. Necessity has lead me to learn Photoshop a little better (though not much), and I've been practicing/applying by putting up some fliers for upcoming gigs. It's not much, but it's something.

Finally, I want to somewhere and somehow say thanks to everyone who came to the Big Brothers Big Sisters Wall of Wine event on January 29. It's a great organization, and having been to this event now as performer and attendee, I can vouch for this event as well. Though I don't know the final numbers, I think we raised some dollars and support for what everyone can agree is a great organization.

So that's it, check back in seven months or so, or just come to a gig and hear the music. I'll say hi.

*Are you not receiving obnoxious emails from me? Join the email list: fill your email into the box on the left side of the site, or send me an email through the contact page.

New Music

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0700

The music section of this site has been updated with a couple of new songs from past gigs:

Song, recorded at the Vinideus Wine Bar at another trio gig. Not the greatest title, I'll admit. Sorry for the audience noise on this one.

The End of the Search, recorded at The Tea Zone on First Thursday this June. This was the first outing for Ben Graves, Sam Foulger and myself as a band, and it came out well. The microphone was behind the guitar amp, so plenty of Ben on this one. But it's okay - he sounds nice.

Alert the Press

Tue, 12 May 2009 00:00:00 -0700

The "Press" section of this website has been activated for the first time to share the recent review of the Blake Lyman Trio written by Linda Daiber at the Jazz Society of Oregon.

She went easy on me, but Dan and Jonas definitely deserve their praise. It's also nice to have someone say nice things about you in writing - other than your family. Also, a nice mention of my girlfriend Natalie.

The Trio in March

Sat, 11 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Last month's trio gig at the Vinideus Wine Bar was a success in some surprising ways. While I'm somewhat unhappy with my own performance (something you'll have to understand: you can always do better), the gig did generate some pleasant surprises.

First, starting in June we're booked back at Vinideus through the end of the year. On the first Friday of every other month we'll be back with more trio music, and maybe eventually some guests. Check the calendar page for more details.

We also had an unexpected guest from the Jazz Society of Oregon. I'm told that a review of the night would be written and posted on their website, but nothing's been posted yet, so stay tuned.

Finally, a couple of new songs have been added to the music page:

"Persephone," something I wrote at CalArts just "because." As I said on the music page, it's just about the most obvious title for a jazz song you can find.

Also added is "Natalie's Song," which I wrote for my girlfriend who is amazing, and coincidentally named Natalie.

Equipment Trouble

Wed, 11 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0800

CalArts Archive

Sat, 07 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0800

Every year since 1990, CalArts' jazz program, my alma mater, has recorded a CD of original student compositions at Capital Records studios. Every CD in the catalogue has recently been made available on this website.

My involvement in this project was limited to flute and clarinet playing on the 2007 CD, but the contributions made by some fantastically talented and creative musicians makes it worth checking out.

As with all things CalArts, I'm very proud to have any involvement with this collection, no matter how minimal. Check it out.

Still Here

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 00:00:00 -0800

It's been a while...

The biggest news since my last post is that I've got a new tenor. After some looking, some trying, some prodding and poking, I've found a great horn, and it and I are coming to an understanding.

My last trio gig at Vinideus Wine Bar was a great success. The band played phenomenally, and I was thrilled to host music in such an accommodating atmosphere. Another is planned for early March, so mark your calendars and come on out.

Finally, the Sacramento gig on December 27th at Luna's Cafe was fantastic. It went through a few names ("Blake Lyman Group", "The Americanos", "Sacramento Reunion Band"), but was really just about playing and catching up. It was really special for me to play with and for so many people that I looked up to growing up in Sacramento. The band - Gordon Au, Gian Tornatore, Joel Peloquin, David O'Keefe, Tim Metz - sounded great, and I'm only sorry that we didn't record the thing. Check out photo page, though, for a few pics of the night taken by Gordon's brother Brandon - also a talented Trombone player.

Tenor Time

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0700

After years of wishing, longing, shopping, and yes, sometimes covetting, I have finally bought a tenor sax. It's a strange feeling to hear a saxophone you're playing a full perfect fourth below what you're used to, but so it goes. My practicing time has been spent trying to get good sounds, and match tones on my vintage Martin tenor. Look for it in the future.

Autumn in Portland

Tue, 23 Oct 2007 00:00:00 -0700

It's been a while since I've visited this space, so I thought I would post an update on the many (or few) changes of late.

First off, the blog has moved, and the link on this page has been changed accordingly. Hopefully Jan will find the new location.

Also, I've changed the music page and added two tracks that may be of interest. The first is a song called "Canon", by Edgar Meyer, that I recorded with my friend Jon Armstrong last June. I transcribed this when I was living in Chicago, and finally got around to performing/recording it last summer.

The other musical addition is the result of a lot of time on my hands. Logic Pro was put to good use when I made the track, a personal take on "Heart and Soul".

The Calendar section of this site hasn't really gone under any modification since I graduated from CalArts in May. Part of that has been an intentional break, and part of that has been my move and settlement in Portland. Nonetheless, I've been going to jam sessions at Clyde's Prime Rib and Produce Row on Sunday and Monday nights, respectively. Both sessions are run by Ron Steen, who does a great job I might add.

There has been one gig so far, but I didn't post it here because I think you had to be a resident of the King City retirement community to attend. Sorry.