With Redemption, Slow Poke delivers a fascinating blend of blues, rock, gospel, and country influences, wrapped in a sound that's both raw and refined

For years, Michael Blake was known among jazz-lovers as no more than ''the better of the two Lounge Lizards saxophonists,'' until his album 'Kingdom Of Champa' was released in 1997, revealing the likeable New Yorker to also possess qualities as a visionary composer, arranger and bandleader. Shortly after all the praise for 'Kingdom Of Champa' began to die down, a quartet named Slow Poke started to stir interest in the Lower East Side of New York City - and it won't take you long to guess who's behind this name: Naturally no one other than Michael Blake, this time in joined forces with David Tronzo [guit], Tony Scherr [bs] and Kenny Wollesen [dr] - all excellent musicians from the creative Knitting Factory family, which has already produced such cult bands as Sexmob, Spanish Fly or the above-mentioned Lounge Lizards. Slow Poke left their status as insider tip quickly behind in New York City.
The opening track, 'Johnny Hornet,' sets the tone with a slow blues groove. Tronzo's funky, oscillating chord progressions pair perfectly with Wollesen's steady, unhurried rhythm, while Blake's saxophone weaves a folksy, soulful melody that gives the track its warmth. The band continues to experiment with tempo and groove, with 'Sixth Sense' offering a smoother, more contemplative vibe, while 'Jar of Hair' picks up steam with a groovy bass line from Scherr and Tronzo's tight guitar work.
A highlight of the album is their rendition of Johnny Cash's classic song, 'Redemption,' where the quartet electrifies the melody, bringing a fresh energy to the well-known tune. Tronzo and Blake's blistering solos and harmonies elevate the song into something new, while Wollesen's drum groove adds a shuffle-march feel that propels the track forward with undeniable momentum.
Slow Poke's sound is defined by its effortless mixing of genres, weaving blues, gospel, rock, and a touch of country & western into a quirky, unpredictable yet remarkably cohesive experience.

Track Listing

• Johnny Hornet
• Sixth Sense
• Jar Of Hair
• Cilantro
• God Don't Never Change
• Dear EAR
• Been A Son
• Redemption
• Breeze Valley
• Shine A Light

Additional Details

Label: Intuition

Genre: Jazz

Run Time: 60:05 mins

Region: 0

Release Date: 04/11/25

UPC: 750447326026