Written by: David Bowie
Recorded: 4 February; 23 March; 22, 25 May 2015
Producers: David Bowie, Tony Visconti
Unreleased
Personnel
David Bowie: vocals
Donny McCaslin: saxophone
Ben Monder: guitar
Jason Lindner: piano, organ, keyboards
Tim Lefebvre: bass guitar
Mark Guiliana: drums
‘Blaze’ was a song written by David Bowie. Recorded during the Blackstar sessions, it was initially intended for the Lazarus musical but was left unreleased.
The song was recorded under the working title ‘Someday’, although in interviews it has also been referred to as ‘Somewhere’. The words are from a line in the chorus: “Someday soon your ship will fly”.
I was so inspired by how much music and literature David’s checked out; he is constantly looking for new things, to listen to and to read. The concept with my band, it’s this idea of electronica music mixed with improvisation. I think David was particularly drawn to that. For instance, when describing one of the first songs we recorded, ‘Somewhere’, David referenced the Boards Of Canada song ‘Alpha And Omega’ [which McCaslin recorded for Casting For Gravity] as an approach. It’s just amazing how he processes information. We’d talk about Death Grips, this band in California.
Uncut, January 2016
The backing track was first recorded on 4 February 2015, when it was known as ‘Someday’. This was the second block of sessions for Blackstar, during which LCD Soundsystem James Murphy was in the studio.
It was re-recorded on 23 March, by which time it had been retitled ‘Blaze’. Joining the band at the Magic Shop studio was guitarist Ben Monder.
Bowie added his multitracked lead vocals on 22 and 25 May 2015, towards the end of the album sessions.
