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Blaine is undeniably one of the most sought after saxophonists in Australia with his band The Groovebag and as a freelance studio and touring musician.
In 1990, Blaine graduated from the Brisbane Conservatorium with a Diploma in Jazz studies where he was awarded the Conservatorium Jazz Prize, the most distinguished conservatorium award for any Jazz student.
In 1991, Blaine received the top prize of $10,000 at Generations in Jazz, the annual James Morrison scholarship, recognising him as the most promising new Jazz artist in Australia. Since that time, he has become a regular member of the James Morrison sextet and Australia’s favourite jazz band GALAPAGOS DUCK, touring nationally and internationally.
In 1993 and 1998, Blaine pursued further studies in New York, performing while there with a wealth of American jazz talent. In 1997, Blaine released his first album as a leader entitled "Hard Bop Café", with special guest artists Bobby Gebert and James Morrison. He has also recorded “Live at the Opera House” with Morrison and Australian jazz legend Don Burrows, and the Richard Clapton album “Angel Town”.
Blaine’s most recent recording "Bright Lights In Babylon" highlights Blaine’s writing for septet featuring the three movement suite of the same name, Bright Lights In Babylon. The suite, harbouring writing influences from Wynton Marsalis, Monk and Mingus, is Blaine’s first extended piece on record. Personnel includes Warrick Alder on trumpet, Craig Walters on tenor sax, Dave Panichi on trombone, Matt McMahon on piano, Phil Stack on bass, Gordon Rytmeister on drums and of course Blaine Whittaker on alto and soprano.
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