E-COLLECTIVE
“Blanchard’s capacity to give others the spotlight ultimately places him in the lineage of jazz greats like his old bandmate Blakey, constantly searching for the next moment of intuitive beauty, no matter where it comes from.” // THE GUARDIAN
“When I heard Blanchard’s e-Collective project at the 2016 Gateshead International Jazz Festival, I was hugely impressed. The music had so much energy, so much spirit —a terrific concept...[their album] Live superbly conveyed the stripped-down dynamic quality of the music.” // LONDON JAZZ NEWS
“The music was wild, funky, dirty, sometimes angry and occasionally gorgeous.”
ALL ABOUT JAZZ
“The mood was relaxed and jovial from the time the group stepped into the lobby...though there was a moment toward the end of the set when Blanchard casually explained the project, setting up a lyrical, almost elegiac solo. This music was a modern update on jazz fusion, sure, but also one where we dance to ward off despair.” // NPR
Like fellow trumpeter Davis, Blanchard refuses to sit still and doesn’t hesitate to forthrightly speak his mind...It was a performance full of futuristic sounds and badass attitude. This crew isn’t interested in what jazz has been—or even what it is now—so much as what it’s going to become next.” // ALL ABOUT JAZZ