James Blood Ulmer, adventurous US guitarist and vocalist, dies aged 86
Summary
James Blood Ulmer, an American guitarist known for mixing jazz, blues, and funk, died at age 86 on June 3, 2024. He had a long career as a musician and songwriter, celebrated for his unique and fearless style.Key Facts
- James Blood Ulmer was born Willie James Ulmer in South Carolina in 1940.
- He started playing funk music before moving to New York in the early 1970s.
- Ulmer was mentored by jazz artist Ornette Coleman, who taught him a free-style music theory called “harmolodics.”
- His debut album was co-produced by Coleman and called Tales of Captain Black.
- Ulmer released several albums with Columbia Records in the early 1980s, gaining recognition as an original electric guitarist.
- He formed bands including Music Revelation Ensemble and Phalanx, releasing multiple albums.
- Ulmer received a Grammy nomination for his 2001 album Memphis Blood: The Sun Sessions.
- He retired in 2024, with his last performance at the Detroit jazz festival.
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