James Blood Ulmer
Solo Performance
Single-handedly James Blood Ulmer’s “Free Blues” explores tension and drama through unexpected twists, scathing political commentary and highly personal reflections.
He began his career by playing in funk bands in Pittsburgh with stops in Ohio and Detroit before finally arriving in New York City in 1971. In 1973, James recorded with Rashied Ali, and in that same year began working with Ornette Coleman, whose concept affected Ulmer's music thereafter. His blues and rock-tinged art was raw, aggressive, as well as intellectually compelling. In the 1980s, he made three records for Columbia featuring artists like David Murray, Amin Ali, and Ronald Shannon Jackson.
“Blood” dug deeply into an investigation of the blues as the century turned. First he recorded Memphis Blood: The Sun Sessions, with guitarist Vernon Reid both performing and producing. In 2003 he issued No Escape From the Blues, recorded at Electric Lady studio. In 2005, Blood released Birthright, on the Hyena label, easily his most intimate recording. His solo recording contains ten originals and two covers of classic repertoire, and takes “Blood's” blues journey to an entirely new level.
Today, James “Blood” Ulmer tours a variety of bands, from his solo project to the Odyssey Trio, which covers his free jazz materials, the Black Rock Trio, and Memphis Blood featuring Vernon Reid.
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