DuoMotief or Jane Blackstone

BIO

Formed in 2005, DuoMotief features vivacious vocalist, Jane Blackstone and the gifted guitarist, Steve Blum. These two well trained, veteran performers bring to their audiences a repertoire which is culled from the American and Brazilian Songbooks as well as their own original lyrics and sparkling melodies.

Together, Blackstone and Blum re-arrange carefully selected tunes with intuitive panache. For instance, their version of Cole Porter’s “Dream Dancing “ simmers with a special Latin feeling. Ms. Blackstone’s rendering of Carlos Jobim’s “Desifinado “ and the rarely sung, “Song of the Sabia” have the quiet sophistication of sensual jazz poetry.

Remarkably, this duo has the sound of a full trio or quartet! Versatile guitarist, Steve Blum, (who in his earlier career played behind one of America’s greatest song stylists, Peggy Lee) provides a wonderful cushion of richly constructed bass tones while rhythmically comping with the accuracy of the great Charlie Christian. Ms. Blackstone, with the ear of a true musician, sings additional lines and vocal punctuation behind Blum’s spirited solos. They present their material “true to form”, and at the same time, give each other room for personal expression.

Both Jane Blackstone and Steve Blum derive their early musical influences from the “New York Music Scene” of the 70’s and 80’s . At this time New York was alive with the music of Miles Davis, Peggy Lee, Dizzy Gillespie, Bill Evans, Sarah Vaughan, Nina Simone, and many other fantastic musicians and singers.
As Blackstone mentions: “We could step out for an evening, and go hear these artists we respected so much…and maybe if we were lucky, get a chance to spend time back stage after the set.”

Besides working with Peggy Lee, Steve Blum has many performing credits to his name; such as musical director for Morgana King, playing for Stephanie Mills and the Broadway Production of “The Wiz” , as well as leading his own groups in both Montreal and New Orleans. He is a graduate of Miami University and the first “jazz and recording” program there.

Ms. Blackstone, a graduate of State University of New York, has toured Europe and Japan both as a pianist/singer and a featured vocalist with local musicians abroad. She has been very active in the South American city of Buenos Aires, presenting educational programs for ‘Jazz Vocal Students”. She has sung in jazz clubs and festivals in the states as well as Brazil, Argentina, and Tokyo, Japan - with a standing ovation in Rio Grande, Brazil
for her interpretation of Milton Nascimnto's song: Ponta de Ariera.

Together, Jane Blackstone and Steve Blum have put together a duo whose performances reflect rare musical intelligence. Simply listen and you will be thoroughly entertained; pay close attention and you will be absorbed by the duo’s artistry. Their beautiful arrangements come off as lighthearted and seemingly effortless.