He studied piano with Cecil Taylor and Borah Bergman, and music and composition with Milford Graves and Bill Dixon. Blum has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biological Science from Bennington College and a Master of Fine Arts Degree in Jazz Composition and Performance.
Blum has performed and/or recorded with Antonio Grippi, Butch Morris, Charles Gayle, Chris Corsano, Cooper-Moore, Daniel Carter, Darius Jones, Denis Charles, Editor Schuller, Gerald Cleaver, Hamid Drake, Han Bennink, Jackson Krall, Jemeel Moondoc, Karen Borca, Marco Eneidi, Mat Maneri, Michael Wimberly, Peter Brotzman, Tony Scott, Tristan Honsinger, Raphe Malik, Roy Campbell, Junior., Ryan Sawyer, Sabir Mateen, Sunny Murray, Sonny Simmons, Sirone, Steve Swell, Susie Ibarra, Tony Buck, Warren Smith, Wilber Morris, and William Parker. Blum is based in New York City, United States. His keyboard technique is something of a jazz hybrid of Cecil Taylor and McCoy Tyner, decidedly percussive but with relentlessly fast right-hand linear structure.
Blum plays with such forcefulness and rapidity that he sounds like Conlon Nancarrow"s player piano rolls, interpreted via human hands, freed up into a liquid state.
He is an underground legend of the downtown music scene in New York, known for his explosive high-voltage pianism, and as a musician who aims for the very personal. In 2016, Blum continues to work as a soloist and group leader, performing throughout the United States, Europe, Canada, and Mexico.
John Barrtett (jazzusacom) – 2002
Chris Kelsey (jazztimescom) – 2005
Clifford Allen (allaboutjazzcom) – 2006
Derek Taylor (bagatellancom) – 2006)
David Keenan (volcanictonguecom) – 2006
Howard Mandel (Downbeat Magazine) – 2008
Bruce Gallanter (DMG) – 2009
Tony Porter (Shakenstir) – 2009
Tony Porter (Shakenstir) – 2009
Tony Porter (Shakenstir) – 2009
Massimo Ricci (Touching Extremes) – 2010
Martin Longely (allaboutjazzcom) – 2010
German Lazaro (Overlook Hotel) – 2011.
