Blaze

Comprising a variable number of members, Blaze was created by Josh Milian and Kevin Hedge. Kevin Hedge is also a gospel singer and the manager of New York club Shelter, the current equivalent of Paradise Garage. Depending on the track, Blaze brings together singers, musicians (percussionists, keyboards) and producers. The result is a rich sound, tinged with Afro-jazz, Creole rhythms and New York house. It took Blaze several years to find a stable home for his music. After a first try at Motown in 1990 with the album "25 Years Later", they produced for others, notably "Hideaway" for De'Lacy and the classic "If You Should Need A Friend". Blaze returned in 1997 with a double album project, inspired and melodious. Simply called "Basic Blaze", the album received critical acclaim. Bringing together all the players on the New York deep scene, this album is a melting pot affirming the African origins of the protagonists. Joe Claussel participates in the production, contributing Haitian melodies that integrate perfectly with the project. A track like "Can You Dance To My Beat?" shows real originality with its syncopated Afro rhythm. Another track, "Lovelee Dae", is highly representative of Blaze's sound. Blaze means both "faith" and "inner fire".