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,…
Béla Fleck & The Flecktones kicked off a 34-date US tour on Jan. 13 with a performance in their hometown of Nashville. The tour will include three New York stops, including an April 20 performance at The Jammy Awards (an award they are nominated for) in Madison Square Garden, another the following day at B.B. King’s Blues Club and a gig at Irving Plaza. The band will be performing songs from their upcoming album The Hidden Land, which will be released Feb. 14 on Columbia Records.
The Fleck-produced album whose title, according to Fleck, refers to “a hidden land out there, a territory where people push the boundaries of music,” marks the return of the four core Flecktones. The band includes Fleck, bassist Victor Wooten, percussionist Future Man and saxophonist Jeff Coffin. “We wanted everything to be playable live,” said Béla. “Every instrument is us, everything is something we can do on-stage.”
For a complete list of tour dates, visit or www.flecktones.com. More dates are expected to follow in late spring and summer.
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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