Drummer, composer and bandleader, widely praised as “the ultimate modernist,” Blake merges tradition and innovation with rare ease. His playing moves from fiery energy to delicate restraint, always grounded in rhythmic clarity and collective expression.
A longtime presence on Blue Note, he’s released standout albums as a leader (Homeward Bound, Passage) and contributed to celebrated recordings with artists like Dr. Lonnie Smith and Kenny Barron. His new album My Life Matters (out August 2025) is a bold suite that calls for civil courage, a musical statement against silence in the face of injustice, commissioned by The Jazz Gallery in New York.
“Blake’s ability to float around a groove while implying an emphatic snap that’s felt rather than heard is the constant undertow to his intricate but always open music.” – The Guardian
At Stockholm Jazz Festival, Blake brings his quintet Pentad, a group built on trust, intuition and creative interplay. Expect deep grooves, unspoken communication, and a performance that speaks through rhythm and beyond.
Line up
Johnathan Blake – Drums
Dayna Stephens – Sax/EWI
Fabian Almazan – Piano & Electronics
Jalen Baker – Vibraphone
Dezron Douglas – Bass
