New Book on Lenox School of Jazz
where Ran learned from the masters
A new book, The Lenox School of Jazz, covers
the history of an important chapter in jazz history.
The book, by Boston University professor Jeremy
Yudkin, includes several references to Ran, who
studied and performed at the school at the start of his
career.
The Lenox School of Jazz operated at the Music Inn
in Lenox during summers from 1957 to 1960. Faculty
included Gunther Schuller, Dizzy Gillespie, Kenny
Dorham, the Modern Jazz Quartet, Dave Brubeck, Bill
Evans, Oscar Peterson, and Jimmy Giuffre. Ran
attended all four years and looks back on it as one
of the highlights of his life.
In a chapter on Ornette Coleman, the book cites a
1959 newspaper review of a faculty/student concert:
"Best individual performances of the evening were
turned in by pianist Ran Blake and alto saxophonist
Ornette Coleman. Young Blake has tremendous talent
both as a composer and player, and his rendition of
his own Vanguard has wonderful feeling and
expressiveness ... The 29-year-old Coleman has
created quite a stir at the school this season with
his unique style and theories, and the short hearing
Saturday night was a revelation both as to style and
creativity ..."
The book is published by the Lenox Library
Association. You can order a copy for $22 from
Amazon or by contacting Professor Yudkin at
YudkinJaf@aol.com.
