Jun 9, 2026 10:54 AM
In Memoriam: James Blood Ulmer, 1940–2026
With deep sorrow and profound love, we announce the passing of James Blood Ulmer, a boldly innovative guitarist,…
Bassist John Patitucci has released his new Line By Line (Concord). He plays acoustic and electric basses on the disc, which also features an array of colleagues, including guitarist Adam Rogers, drummer Brian Blade and tenor saxophonist Chris Potter.
Most of the disc is comprised of Patitucci’s compositions, which draw on his experiences in jazz, classical and Brazilian music. He also interprets Thelonious Monk’s “Evidence,” Rogers’ “Dry September” and the spiritual, “Jesus Is On The Mainline.”
“I’ve always been averse to having one sound or orchestration for an entire record,” Patitucci said. “My goal was to have a lot of variety, hopefully without being too schizoid. Various heroes over the years have reinforced the idea of doing things with colors and expanded instrumentations—Wayne Shorter tops the list. I wanted to find a way to do it that was comfortable for me, and try to find a personal path.”
To the world, James Blood Ulmer was a legend, a visionary and a musical force whose sound was distinctive and unique. To his family, he was their teacher, their storyteller and a source of strength.
Jun 9, 2026 10:54 AM
With deep sorrow and profound love, we announce the passing of James Blood Ulmer, a boldly innovative guitarist,…
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