Stephen Blackman is a multifaceted musician whose music begins deep within the jazz tradition. His arrangements and re-harmonizations of standards are handsome & meticulously crafted interpretations that add spice to the classic jazz repertoire. His original works, both instrumental and vocal, exhibit a relaxed poetry in melody and lyrics that conveys both romance and wry, dry wit. Blackman’s distinctive and flexible voice is used to good effect when he scat sings, and is combined with his impeccable timing, phrasing and delivery to punctuate lyrics.
Clearly aligned with the Jim Hall, Ed Bickert, John Scofield, Pat Metheny, John Stowell guitar lineage, Blackman performs convincingly in a variety of settings. His astonishingly relaxed quiet virtuosity while playing his graceful guitar on ballads builds to an almost demonic drive during up-tempo post hard bop numbers. Blackman’s sophisticated extended harmonic knowledge and awareness of the jazz tradition repays the careful attention of a jazz aficionado, but his performances are always accessible to the casual listener.
“He chooses his notes with care, and his lush guitar chords often sound like Bill Evans’ piano. His vocal style ranges from Chet Baker to Fats Waller, from poignant to rollicking.” ~ Robert “Bob” Torrescano, Jr.
Stephen Blackman has been fortunate to have studied extensively with Ted Greene, John Stowell, and Paul Smoker. In addition he has had lessons with Alan Broadbent, Joe Puma, and Gary Burton, and participated in numerous masterclasses by luminaries including Kenny Garrett, Kurt Elling, and Donald Harrison.
STEPHEN BLACKMAN: Coffeeshop Conversations #99/
By Tom D’Antoni // He’s a guitarist, producer, engineer, a full-time attorney and a member of the OMN family.
Welcome back to World Cup Coffee and Tea at NW 18th and Glisan for another OMN Coffeeshop Conversation. Today it’s Stephen Blackman, who has done a lot of good things for us including handling all of the Portland [Oregon] Jazz Festival ‘Jazz Conversation’ recordings.
He’s a guitarist, singer, composer, producer, engineer and a full-time attorney at the same time.
He’s a man of long experience in music and one of strong opinions. I wouldn’t want to be on the other side of a legal procedure against him.
He’s always been there for us and for me when things go goofy. And he always has a remedy[!!!].
