Biography James Blood Ulmer

ulmer performing in innsbruck in 2011, charles burnham , warren benbow

willie james ulmer born in st. matthews, south carolina. began career playing various soul jazz ensembles, first in pittsburgh, pennsylvania, 1959–1964, , in columbus, ohio region, 1964–1967. first recorded organist hank marr in 1964 (released 1967). after moving new york in 1971, ulmer played art blakey s jazz messengers, joe henderson, paul bley, rashied ali , larry young.

in 1970s, ulmer joined ornette coleman; first electric guitarist record , tour extensively coleman. has credited coleman major influence, , coleman s strong reliance on electric guitar in fusion-oriented recordings owes distinct debt ulmer.

his appearance on arthur blythe s 2 consecutive columbia albums, lenox avenue breakdown , illusions, followed ulmer s signing label. resulted in 3 albums: free lancing, black rock, , 1983 s odyssey, inaugural release of odyssey band drummer warren benbow , violinist charles burnham, trio has continued perform , record day. described @ time avant-gutbucket , leading writer bill milkowski describe music conjuring images of skip james , albert ayler jamming on mississippi delta.

he formed group called music revelation ensemble circa 1980, co-led david murray first decade, lasted mid-90s. later recorded incarnations of group featured either arthur blythe, sam rivers, pharoah sanders or john zorn on saxophones. in 1980s co-led, saxophonist george adams, phalanx quartet.

ulmer has recorded many albums leader, including recent quartet of acclaimed blues-oriented records produced vernon reid: memphis blood, no escape blues, bad blood in city, , solo guitar & vocals album birthright.

ulmer judge 8th annual independent music awards support independent artists.

in 2005 down beat interview, ulmer opined guitar technique had not advanced since death of jimi hendrix. stated technique advance if guitar stop following piano, , indicated tunes of guitar strings a.

in 2009, ulmer started own label, american revelation, has released 4 cds date; available website, or @ shows.

in spring 2011, ulmer joined saxophone luminary james carter s organ trio special guest along nicholas payton on trumpet six-night stand of performances @ blue note new york.