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Jane Ira Bloom

Soaring, poetic, quick silver, spontaneous and instantly identifiable are words used to describe the soprano sound of saxophonist Jane Ira Bloom. She's been steadfastly developing her singular voice on the soprano saxophone for over 40 years creating a body of music that marks her as an American original. She is a pioneer in the use of live electronics and movement in jazz, as well as the possessor of "one of the most gorgeous tones and hauntingly lyrical ballad conceptions of any soprano saxophonist - Pulse." She is the winner of the 2018 Grammy Award for Best Surround Sound Album for her trio album "Early Americans." Her continuing commitment to "pushing the envelope" in her music has led to collaborations with such outstanding jazz artists as Kenny Wheeler, Charlie Haden, Ed Blackwell, Rufus Reid, Matt Wilson, Bob Brookmeyer, Julian Priester, Jerry Granelli, Billy Hart, Mark Dresser, Bobby Previte, & Fred Hersch. She's also spearheaded collaborative world music groups featuring world music virtuosi Min Xioa-Fen on Chinese pipa, South Indian veena artist Geetha Ramanathan Bennett, koto artist Miya Masaoka, Korean komungo player Jin Hi Kim, and bassist Mark Dresser. She has performed at such diverse venues as Carnegie Hall, Jazz at Lincoln Center, the Museum of Modern Art, the Kennedy Center, the United Nations, the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, the Smithsonian's Einstein Planetarium, the Montreal, JVC, and San Francisco Jazz Festivals as well as regular club engagements in NYC and tours of England, Portugal, Switzerland and Brazil with her group. Winner of the 2021 & 2020 Downbeat International Critics Poll for soprano saxophone, and multi-time winner of the Jazz Journalists Award for soprano sax of the year, the Mary Lou Williams Women In Jazz Award for lifetime service to jazz, the Charlie Parker Fellowship for Jazz Innovation and the International Women in Jazz Jazz Masters Award. Bloom is the first musician ever commissioned by the NASA Art Program and was honored to have an asteroid named in her honor by the International Astronomical Union (asteroid 6083janeirabloom). She's garnered numerous awards for her creativity including a Guggenheim Fellowship in music composition and a residency at the Baryshnikov Arts Center. A new jazz festival in Brooklyn, NY featuring cutting edge woman artists was named in her honor (The Bloom Festival). A strong visual thinker and a cinematic stylist, Bloom's affinity for other art forms such as painting, film, theatre and dance has both enriched her music and brought her into contact with other innovative artists such as actors Vanessa Redgrave & Joanne Woodward, painter Dan Namingha, comic Lewis Black, cartoonist Jules Feiffer, and legendary dancer/ choreographer Carmen DeLavallade.

She has composed for the American Composers Orchestra (NYC), the St. Luke's Chamber Ensemble, the Pilobolus, Paradigm, & Philadanco Dance Companies, TV movie features (Shadow of A Doubt/ NBC-TV), and film soundscores (John Sayles' Silver City) writing works for large ensemble involving her signature movement techniques. She has also collaborated with classical composers premiering new works for soprano saxophone ("Sinfonia" by Augusta Read Thomas). She has curated a discussion/ performance series on improvisation at the Philoctetes Center for the Multi-Disciplinary Study of Imagination in NYC, presenting a wide range of programs including collaborations with dancer/ choreographer Carmen deLavallade and bassist Rufus Reid (Moving & Playing: Jazz Improvisation & Dance), performances with pianist Fred Hersch and bassist Drew Gress (The Art of the Ballad), and panel discussions with neuroscientist Josh McDermott and Arabic music scholar Toufiq Ben Amor (Dancing on the Ceiling: Music and the Brain). Bloom is the recipient of three awards in jazz composition from the Chamber Music America / Doris Duke New Jazz Works Program for the creation of Chasing Paint, a series of compositions inspired by painter Jackson Pollock that premiered at the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston, Mental Weather, a suite of neuroscience inspired pieces, Wild Lines: a jazz reimagining of Emily Dickinson's poetry that premiered at UMASS/ Amherst in the poet's hometown, and Picturing the Invisible: a NYC Women’s Fund project inspired by the groundbreaking science photography of Berenice Abbott. The Philadelphia Music Project commissioned her premiere of Unexpected Light - a unique collaboration of improvised sound & light with world-renowned lighting designer James F. Ingalls. JIB has participated in several international and 'remote' events directed by bassist Mark Dresser and composer Sarah Weaver including a large ensemble performance at the United Nations that linked improvising musicians in Korea, China, New York, and San Diego. Bloom continues to find inspiration in creating exploratory music with improvising musicians from around the world. She has recorded and produced 20 albums of her music dating from 1977 to the present. In 1976 she founded her own record label & publishing company (Outline Music) and later recorded for ENJA, CBS, Arabesque, Pure Audio, and Artistshare Records. Bloom has been the subject of a number of media profiles; she has been featured on CBS TV's Sunday Morning, Talkin' Jazz on NBC-TV, TIME Magazine's Women: The Road Ahead special issue, in the publication Jazzwomen: Conversations w/ 21 Musicians, in the Library of Congress Women Who Dare calendar, in Life Magazine's "Living Jazz Legends," on NPR's Morning Edition, Jazzset, Live From the Kennedy Center w/ Dr. Billy Taylor, and in the documentary film Reed Royalty hosted by Branford Marsalis. She is a professor at the New School's College of the Performing Arts School of Jazz in NYC, holds degrees from Yale University and Yale School of Music and studied saxophone with woodwind virtuoso Joseph Viola. Nat Hentoff has called Bloom an artist "beyond category." Bill Milkowski has called her "A true jazz original...a restlessly creative spirit, and a modern day role model for any aspiring musician who dares to follow his or her own vision."

Awards

2014, 2012, 2011, 2008, 2006, 2003, 2001 - Jazz Journalists Association Award for Soprano Saxophone of the Year
2014 - Grammy Nominee for Best Surround Sound Album (Sixteen Sunsets)
2007 - Guggenheim Fellowship
2007 - Mary Lou Williams Women In Jazz Award
2006 - Doris Duke/ Chamber Music America New Works: Creation and Presentation Program

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We Sick, Soojung Lee, Jane Ira Bloom & Novembre

by Maurice Hogue
April 3, 2023

The release of We Sick is not until the end of April, but definitely watch for this fiery work of improvisation and passion. Not long after George Floyd's murder, pianist deVon Russell Gray, saxophonist Nathan Hanson & drummer Davu Seru recorded We Sick in an abandoned church across from the Minnesota state capitol which was surrounded by armed National Guard. This is a powerful statement about where we are today. South Korean saxophonist Soojung Lee injects plenty of fire into ...

Radio & Podcasts

Jane Ira Bloom & Mark Helias

by Lawrence Peryer
March 25, 2023

Today, the Spotlight shines On New York-based jazz innovators Jane Ira Bloom and Mark Helias, who join us to discuss their latest collaboration with drummer Bobby Previte, 2.3.23 (Radio Legs Music). The recordings on 2.3.23 completely challenge any preconceived notions the listener might have about any “right way" to collaborate or create improvisational music. To paraphrase Elvis Costello, talking about these recordings is like dancing about architecture, but we gave it a go and an enlightening and intriguing ...

Radio & Podcasts

A Varied Selection Of New Releases

by Bob Osborne
March 23, 2023

On this show a varied selection of new releases from Jane Ira Bloom Mark Helias & Bobby Previte, Phil Minton, Pat Thomas, Dave Tucker & Roger Turner--Scatter, Chembo Corniel, Roy McGrath, Fella Cederbaum, Greenhouse Ensemble, Nick Maclean Quartet, Michael Sarian & Matthew Putman, and, Ally Fiola & The Next Quest featuring Jeff Coffin.Playlist Show Intro 00:00 Jane Ira Bloom, Mark Helias, Bobby Previte “Ground and Distance" from 2.3.23 (Bandcamp) 00:54 Phil Minton, Pat Thomas, Dave Tucker, Roger Turner--Scatter ...

Album Review

Allison Miller; Jane Ira Bloom: Tues Days

Read "Tues Days" reviewed by Neri Pollastri

by Neri Pollastri
November 22, 2021

Registrato a distanza, ciascuna nelle proprie case, in cinque martedì successivi tra il marzo e l'aprile scorsi, questo lavoro in duo della sassofonista soprano Jane Ira Bloom e della batterista Allison Miller non voleva essere un album, bensì solo una sperimentazione di improvvisazione, molto libera, della quale le due artiste sentivano la necessità e che affrontarono “per vedere cosa sarebbe successo." Nel corso del lavoro Miller e Bloom sviluppano un dialogo utilizzando molteplici stilemi espressivi e alcuni artifici ...

Album Review

Jane Ira Bloom / Allison Miller: Tues Days

Read "Tues Days" reviewed by Mike Jurkovic

by Mike Jurkovic
October 20, 2021

The story goes that, during spring 2021, on five consecutive Tuesdays in March and April, soprano saxophonist Jane Ira Bloom and drummer Allison Miller recorded a handful of improvised sax and drum duets just to see what might happen and evolve. Well, a lot does because with Tues Days both Miller and Bloom cut their inner hippie loose to gambol out in the fields with flowers in their hair and their skirts all a-billow. It is not all ...

Radio & Podcasts

Jane Ira Bloom, Art Hirahara & David Angel

by Joe Dimino
May 23, 2021

The ceremonial 700th Episode of Neon Jazz features several news releases and it starts with David Angel and music off his latest project Out on the Coast. We also spotlight 94-year old New York saxophonist Vinnie Riccitelli. We'll examine the music and voices of Joe Lovano, Steve Slagle, Art Hirahara and Jane Ira Bloom. then wrap up the hour with drummer Artt Frank with good friend Chet Baker. Enjoy 700, my friends.Playlist David Angel Jazz Ensemble “L.A. Mysterioso" ...

Radio & Podcasts

Women in Jazz: Woodwind Players

by Russell Perry
April 6, 2021

Never have there been more prominent women clarinetists, saxophonists, and flutists in jazz than there are today and that trend has continued steadily for years. In the 25th annual Jazz Journalists Association Jazz Awards alto player Lakecia Benjamin was the Up and Coming Musician of the Year, Lauren Sevian was the Baritone Saxophonist of the Year, Jane Ira Bloom was the Soprano Saxophonist of the Year, Nicole Mitchell the Flutist of the Year, and Anat Cohen the Clarinetist of the ...

Recording

Jane Ira Bloom & Mark Helias Release 'Some Kind Of Tomorrow' On Bandcamp

Source: Crossover Media
January 16, 2021

Soprano saxophonist Jane Ira Bloom and bassist Mark Helias come together to create duets discovered in the moment in a way that is rarely heard today with Some Kind of Tomorrow. The long time bandmates, separated by space and time find a way to play in real time with one another and the results are magical. Two master improvisers and composers bring listeners up-close and personal to the first spark of their imaginations at work, recording eleven duet improvisations over ...
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Book / Magazine

Women In Jazz: New Book celebrates the women of music, shares their journeys and gives them voice.

Source: All About Jazz
January 10, 2020

Containing interviews and first-hand accounts, Women In Jazz is witness to the generosity, profundity and positivity with which women have responded and the energy they have put into their lives in overcoming challenges. The book tells the stories of the women in their own, unchanged words. It allows their voices to be heard and tackles head-on some issues which need to be discussed such as misogyny and there are some hilarious anecdotes, some poignant moments but above all a positivity ...
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Recording

Jane Ira Bloom Continues Her Journey of Originality with "Wingwalker"

Source: Gapplegate Music Review by Grego Edwards
April 19, 2011

Jane Ira Bloom is no mimeograph. No Xerox copy. For many years she has been in a place of her own. As a soprano sax master she has developed her unmistakably own sound combined with a sense of phrasing that hangs together with great spatial presence and lucidity. Her compositions parallel the originality of her playing. All this is amply evident on her new CD Wingwalker (Out-Line 140). It's a quartet date with three very compatible fellow-musical artists. Dawn Clement ...
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162

Recording

Jane Ira Bloom - Wingwalker (2011)

Source: Something Else!
January 16, 2011

By Pico In preparing to assess Jane Ira Bloom's brand new CD Wingwalker, I pulled out the prior one, the excellent Mental Weather from 2008. The striking comparison between the two became obvious before I even pulled the CD from the sleeve; I quickly noticed that both of the CD covers featured Bloom performing in motion, the photos both blurred to illustrate her soprano sax moving from side to side. It makes several statements about this artist: one, she moves ...
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130

Radio

The Jazz Session #231: Jane Ira Bloom

Source: AAJ Staff
January 14, 2011

Recording

Jane Ira Bloom releases new CD "Wingwalker" (OTL140) in January 2011

Source: Jane Ira Bloom
December 12, 2010

Soprano saxophonist/ composer Jane Ira Bloom releases her latest CD Wingwalker on the Outline label in January 2011. The album features long-time bandmates pianist Dawn Clement, bassist Mark Helias, and drummer Bobby Previte. Jazz media interested in receiving advance review copies of the CD should email [email protected] with their email address.

About Jane Ira Bloom Soprano saxophonist/composer Jane Ira Bloom has been steadfastly developing her unique voice on the soprano saxophone for over 30 years. She is a ...
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184

Performance / Tour

Jane Ira Bloom Trio with Mark Helias & Bobby Previte at Cornelia Street Cafe on June 13th

Source: Michael Ricci
June 12, 2010

Soprano saxophonist, composer and former NASA artist Jane Ira Bloom brings her trio to Cornelia Street Cafe for the first time on June 13th with long-time bandmates bassist Mark Helias and drummer Bobby Previte. They're fresh out of the recording studio with new compositions from Bloom's latest project that jetison the band into zero-g and beyond.

Don't miss these seasoned sonic explorers as they navigate the space ways.

Cornelia St Cafe 29 Cornelia St New York, ...
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144

Performance / Tour

Jane Ira Bloom Trio at the Tea Lounge on February 6

Source: Jim Eigo, Jazz Promo Services
February 4, 2010

JANE IRA BLOOM TRIO with Bobby Previte & Dean Johnson “Bloom is a jazz wizard" - George Kanzler, Hothouse Bobby Previte “can break your heart with one cymbal crash" --Steve Smith Jane Ira Bloom soprano sax & live electronics Bobby Previte drums Dean Johnson bass SAT, FEBRUARY 6, 8:00 - 10:30pm The Tea Lounge 837 Union Street Park Slope Brooklyn, NY 718-789-2762 tealoungeny.com Subway: Q to ...
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205

Festival

The Bloom Festival at the Tea Lounge Thursday and Friday Nights in June

Source: Jim Eigo, Jazz Promo Services
June 7, 2009

The JVC Jazz Festival is gone, but The Tea Lounge in Park Slope has brewed something strong and new: The Bloom Festival, curated by journalist Lara Pellegrinelli and violist Tanya Kalmanovitch. The two longtime friends had talked time and again about collaborating on various projects and finally thought the timing was right.

“Since George Wein has denied me the possibility of spending $95 to see Chris Botti again,” Kalmanovitch says, “I thought I’d do the next best thing.”

“The economy ...
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193

Performance / Tour

Jane Ira Bloom, Fred Hersch, Drew Gress at Philoctetes Center on December 14th

Source: All About Jazz
December 11, 2008

Soprano saxophonist Jane Ira Bloom, pianist Fred Hersch, & bassist Drew Gress present a performance/ discussion on “Jazz Improvisation: The Art of the Ballad" at The Philoctetes Center for the Multidisciplinary Study of Imagination in NYC on Sunday Dec 14 at 2:30 pm. The Center is located at 47 East 82nd Street,  3rd Floor, NYC. Phone: 646-422-0544. Events at Philoctetes are free and open to the public. Seating is on a first come basis. The Philoctetes Center 247 ...
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“Soprano saxophonist Jane Ira Bloom has achieved something many more- famous players never find: an instantly identifiable sound based in intense lyricism and striking melodies.” - Steve Smith, TimeOut NY “an artist of a huge stature, an original, a master of the soprano... the sort of player easy to identify in a blindfold test, because she is a school of one.” - Grego Applegate Edwards, Gapplegate “Sidney Bechet...John Coltrane...Steve Lacy....The name Jane Ira Bloom can be added to that list of icons. Bloom has used the soprano saxophone to give voice to fertile and uncompromising artistic spirit...” - Dan McClenaghan, All About Jazz

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