Russel Blake

Over the past four decades, Russel Blake has established himself as a musician, concert soloist, educator, music producer and author. He carries on the musical legacy of his father, Latin music great Alexander Blake, and his brother, world renowned jazz bassist, Alex Blake. At the foundation of all of his success is Russel’s impeccable composition, theoretical and musical arrangement skills, all of which are self-taught. 

 As a public speaker, Mr. Blake eloquently conveys a message of personal empowerment and all-encompassing hope. In a remarkably refined manner he captivated crowds, young and old, by condensing his wealth of musical knowledge, his spiritual resolve, and a genuine love for humanity into a series of inspiring and insightful lecture topics. 

To date, he has shared is talents in 75 countries, on five continents, held the title of “Adjunct Professor” at five universities across the country where he has shared his creation, “The Universal Language Music History & Cultural Program” with a variety of audiences from Elementary through High School, Colleges and Universities, Senior Ceemters, Prisons, Hospitals and Military Installations about the history of Music. 

 Russel Blake currently holds over 474 musical pieces within his repertoire encompassing Classical, Spanish Classical, Traditional Jazz, Brazilian, Opera, Latin & Blues music idioms. He performs works from Mozart, Beethoven, Segovia, Albeniz, Cole Porter, Gershwin, Monk, Jobim, Stevie Wonder and Elton John just to name a few. 

Mr. Blake has earned the opportunity to accompany and record with several music giants such as Sonny Rollins, Pharoah Sanders, Hugh Masakela, Cybil Shepherd, Harry Belafonte, El Gran Combo, Wynton Marsalis, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Brenda Russell, Brenda Lee Eager, Rickie Byars Beckwith, Mary Mary, Angie Stone,  and has enjoyed playing as bassist on Broadway NYC with Dreamgirls, The Lion King and Motown The Musical. 

Among is highest achievements was his appointment by the U.S. State Department to perform as an Ambassador of Goodwill to Eight West African Nations, and he was also contract6ed by the U.S. Department of Defense to lecture on the symbiotic nature of Science and Music for DARPA’s (Defense Advanced Research Agency) International Conference.