BLAZE "A Brilliant Burst of Fire"

Aural Karate
The BLAZE CD released in 2003 on Butter Vat Music uses the aforementioned elements blended into a modern dose of intellect and groove.

Brannen Temple
(Sheena Easton, Chaka Khan, Janet Jackson, Robben Ford, Hot Buttered Rhythm) is a dynamic drummer (and he uses an electronic sampler), organizer and the group's musical conceptualizer. He says, "Our approach is a combination of traditions, flow and groove from the rhythm section and fire and soul out of the horns." With no piano or other chordal instruments for harmonics, the musicians are free to explore many harmonic and rhythmic directions with a different and clear focus. And with a DJ / turntablist in the band, their has sound has a expressively unique rhythm.

"One of my philosophies", Temple adds, "is to present music how you hear it, not worrying about the particulars of so-called success. It's more true that way. No matter what the music is, if we play in a sincere way, there will be an audience that will appreciate our vision." Funky syncopation, stylistic shifts and clever playfulness shape the band's sonic landscape. The bands influences include the music of Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, John Coltrane and numerous others.

Along with Temple on drums and samples, the BLAZE musicians are:

Ephraim Owens
(Clark Terry, Marchel Ivery, James Clay) on trumpet

Phillipe Vieux
(Horace Silver, Eddie Palmieri, Kenny Kirkland, Black Note) on tenor saxophone and flute

Yoggie
(Jody Watley, Dionne Farris, Xavier, Stephen Bruton) on electric bass

NickNack
(from Crowd Control Records) on turntables, SP303 and effects

BLAZE has turned the heads of the public at large. In their hometown of Austin, TX they have won Austin Chronicle Readers Poll 'Jazz Band of the Year' in 2001 through 2003 and in 2005. In 2000 they performed the Hillebrand Jazz Festival in Niagara-On-The-Lake, ONT. In the summer of 2002 they toured the Midwest performing in various cities like Chicago, Detroit, Cleveland, Toronto and they have done collaborative performances w/ Jazz vocalist Mandy Gaines in Taipei, Taiwan. BLAZE has also performed shows in Germany and has toured throughout Spain in 2004 and 2005.

BLAZE has two (2) other self produced releases on Butter Vat Music.

* BLAZE (self tittled release in 2000)

* BLAZE "Say What Now?" (2001) which features guest guitarist Robben Ford (Concord Records)

There will be a new cd release in 2005. (No title yet) The band's music has continued to evolve into a tight and rhythmicly funky sound. The new cd release will continue like Aural Karate to utilize the unconventional piano-less quintet's unique and captivating acoustic / electric hybrid sound.

During live shows, a significant number of tightly executed original songs are presented. Humbly, BLAZE pays musical homage to the Jazz Masters and other masterful musicians of various musical genres that inspired them to play. Youth alive, not living in the past they honor the present and future helping to keep alive the brightly burning flame of Jazz.

Find out more about BLAZE including video clips, photos and audio at:

http://www.brannentemple.com or http://www.ephraimowens.com