When a musician is willing to take risks and not go in the ‘standard’ direction amazing results can happen. This freedom from the mainstream allows musical output to soar without having to limit yourself to what the masses expect to hear. Our recent discovery Jason Blake drives in his own lane and just keeps pumping out great and interesting music. The latest is his upcoming album A Confusion Sequence set for release on November 15th, 2024.
Hailing from Chicago, Illinois, the innovative musician is known for being one of the most distinguished technicians on the Warr Guitar. Jason Blake has mastered the unique 12-string instrument that incorporates a guitar and bass in one. It is played in a touchstyle technique where the strings are tapped. He has used the instrument to create a wide variety of genres, both with bands and his solo work. Progressive, Metal , Drone, Ambient and more. He creates sounds that blur the lines.
With this his 11th solo album, Jason Blake decided to record the entire album playing his Warr Artisan semi-hollow guitar. He says “I wanted to give this album more of an acoustic feel. I incorporated different aspects of my playing into each song, from heavy/dark passages to pretty/contemplative sections.”
As A Confusion Sequence opens fittingly with “Awakening To Questions” Jason Blake sets the dark tone right away with his unique style and the pairing of drummer Marco Minnemann (The Aristocrats, Steven Wilson, Joe Satriani) to flesh out the beat to his sound. Emotions will be stirred within the listener without the need for lyrics to paint the picture.
The vibe shifts with “Pretending To Breathe” and its imaginative and beautiful style. Melodies pile on top of each other to fill the full sonic space. We are taken on a journey here even though we do not quite know the beginning or the end. But the over 8 and a half minute ride will be entertaining.
Check out the lead single ‘Dormant Visions’ from A Confusion Sequence by Jason Blake
This continues on the lead single “Dormant Visions” with its experimental rhythms allowing us to fall in love with the sound of the Warr Guitar. There is so much that can be done with it and Jason Blake shows off all of that potential with this progressive gem.
The record closes with the almost 10 minute long “A Prophecy of Recollections.” The diverse way he is able to build beats peppering in different styles keeps the listener guessing where the track will go next. The power of the sound is undeniable combined with the exotic drumming of Marco Minnemann. Just when we get a breath a new section launches us into a separate rocketship of sound. Perfect music to just sit back with and let wash over you when you need an energy refresh. There will be no drifting off here. You will be wide awake and ready to take on the world.
