Album Notes

NEW! Blake 'n' Blue has released its third CD "THE PLAYGROUND" in '04. The best, most refined production yet, it features a new crop of originals from the pen of leader Doug Blake. Various styles of jazz, straight blues, Latin and even an anthem are all performed with passion and intelligence by his ace studio band; the same close friends and veterans who appear on all Doug's recorded output. Again the cover art is also by Blake; full color for the first time! Instrumental and vocal; ballads, bebop and blues... put all three Blake 'n' Blue CDs on your carousel, hit scramble, and enjoy some of the most original, exciting, and beautiful new American music.

Doug Blake, a jazz guitarist and songwriter who has been playing locally for the last 30 years, teaches and performs solo and with groups around Chicago playing standards in his unique chord-melody style arrangements. Featured on TV and radio, he writes the lyrics and music and does the cover artwork for his three CDs. His sidemen are among the best, most in-demand jazz players of their generation. Together they realize Blake's artistic vision, merging the American songwriting tradition with a '60s sensibility. As producer, Doug has created his most polished studio effort yet.

From Cadence Magazine, October 2004:
"[The Playground] is a relaxed set of Jazz led by guitarist Doug Blake. Blake's compositions are gently swinging and sunny. Often done in both vocal and instrumental versions, this stuff is fun to listen to whether a singer or alto player is up front. Terry Sullivan, who sings most of the vocal tracks, has a creamy, lilting voice with a touch of Peggy Lee in it. Her highlights include the chipper 'Insouciance' and some cool offhand vocalese on 'Ellipsis.' The alto players are both worthy as well. Jeff Newell shines on the late night ballad "Dark Street" where he sounds like Stan Getz playing the Blues and Rich Corpolongo shows off his exuberant playing on the bossa nova 'Corazon Quebrado.' At the end things get a little experimental with a spot of bumpy Jazz poetry on 'Pride Ride' and the odd 'Millennium March' which seems to be a straight march tribute to the American Armed Forces. This is a fun set overall. Nice listening."

Doug Blake--Guitar, bass
Jeff Newell--Saxophone
Rich Corpolongo--Alto Saxophone
Brian Sandstrom--Bass
Rusty Jones--Drums
John Roothaan--Piano and organ
Aaron Syrdahl--Vocals
Terry Sullivan--Vocals
Kathy Gauthier--Vocals