New York based tenor saxophonist/composer Seamus Blake is recognized as one of the finest and most creative young players in jazz. John Scofield, who hired him for his “Quiet Band,” calls him “extraordinary, a total saxophonist.” In February 2002, he took first place in the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Saxophone Competition in Washington D. C. As the winner, he performed with Wayne Shorter and Herbie Hancock. Seamus Blake was born in England and raised in Vancouver, Canada.