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,…
“Jeff knows just what to play, how to construct drum fills around the arrangement,” Willie Jones III says of Jeff Hamilton. “Very musical.”
(Photo: Anna Yayskevich)A month before the June release of Memories Of You, the ninth leader album by Willie Jones III and the 34th release on his WJ3 label, the 58-year-old drummer, producer, educator and bandleader sat down with DownBeat for his second Blindfold Test.
Robert Stewart/Billy Higgins
“Invitation” (Judgement, World Stage Records, 1994) Stewart, tenor saxophone; Higgins, drums; Eric Reed, piano; Marcus Shelby, bass.
“Invitation.” The tenor player could be Stanley Turrentine. The drummer sounds like Billy Higgins — the left hand, the way he comps, the fills. The drum solo is a masterpiece. Oh, this is Robert Stewart’s session, with Eric Reed on piano and Marcus Shelby on bass. I watched the whole thing in the engineering booth. It’s on Billy’s label, World Stage Records. Stanley is one of Robert’s main influences. ... Eric had been with Wynton a couple of years; Mark and I had done a lot of gigs with him in L.A. At first I didn’t recognize Eric’s phrasing. 5 stars. I’m biased.
Tyshawn Sorey
“Libra” (Members ... Don’t!, Pi, 2026) Sorey, drums; Mark Shim, tenor saxophone; Adam O’Farrill, trumpet; Lex Korten, piano; Tyrone Allen, bass; Gary Bartz, composer.
I don’t recognize the song. The band is on fire. I love the energy. Is Johnathan Blake the drummer? Justin Faulkner? [piano improv section] This transition sounds like a completely different song, and I liked the first song a lot better. I love the drummer’s playing — obviously, a lot of technique and very creative. The composition isn’t doing his playing justice. [new section] Now he’s swinging; he’s in there. Is Giveton Gelin the trumpeter? I can’t identify anyone, but I love their playing. They made it back. Oh, “Libra.” I would have started the song like this, then gone into the swing, and extract that second section. 4 stars.
Greg Hutchinson
“Seven Steps To Heaven” (Kind Of Now, Warner, 2026) Hutchinson, drums; Ron Blake, tenor saxophone; Ambrose Akinmusire, trumpet; Gerald Clayton, piano; Joe Sanders, bass.
Lewis Nash on drums. It’s not?! Agh! Lewis’ cymbals don’t sound like that, and that’s not his touch. This drummer can play. Joe Farnsworth? It’s a nice arrangement of “Seven Steps To Heaven.” They start right on the solos. It’s not over-arranged. I liked all the solos, and how they fit with the drums. But I can’t name anyone. [afterwards] I’m kind of ashamed, because Hutch is my favorite drummer from my generation. I associate his drum sound with the Roy Hargrove records, or Eric Reed’s records 25 years ago. 5 stars.
Steve Lehman Trio + Mark Turner
“23b + 23g” (The Music Of Anthony Braxton, Intakt, 2025) Lehman, alto saxophone; Turner, tenor saxophone; Matt Brewer, bass; Damion Reid, drums.
It’s an Ornette Coleman-Don Cherry vibe. I like the bass and drums, but I’m having a hard time placing the drummer, who is busy, but not too busy. The performance calls for everything he’s playing; the drummer and bassist player are hand-in-glove, having a dialogue. Is the tenor saxophonist Mark Turner? He’s playing great. [alto saxophone solo] The vibe changed. I’m not crazy about what the alto is doing in relation to the ensemble. [afterwards] I know Damion very well. I played with his dad, Richard Reid, a great bass player, when I was starting out. 3½ stars.
Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra
“Buhaina, Buhaina” (And So It Goes, RMI, 2023) Jeff Hamilton, drum feature.
I recognize Jeff Hamilton’s toms and cymbals, his touch. He’s one of my favorite drummers, and this is the Clayton-Hamilton Orchestra, one of my favorite big bands. Whether it’s big band or trio, Jeff knows just what to play, how to construct drum fills around the arrangement. Very musical. Both he and John Clayton had a huge influence on me. That was killing. 5 stars.
Kenny Garrett
“Soldats de Champs” (Sounds From the Ancestors, Mack Avenue, 2021) Kenny Garrett, alto saxophone, electric piano; Vernell Brown Jr., piano; Corcoran Holt, bass; Ronald Bruner, drums; Rudy Bird, percussion; Lenny White, snare.
Kenny Garrett. I don’t recognize the drummer or anyone else. I like the tune, but I’d rather hear just the drummer on the snare drum. Everybody’s doing their own thing between the percussion and the drums, and it doesn’t fit. Kenny’s doing what Kenny always does: bringing the fire. He hasn’t lost a step. If I saw this live, maybe I’d have a different opinion. [afterwards] I know Ronald from L.A. I’m a huge fan of him and Lenny White. But there’s too much going on. It’s Kenny Garrett, so 4 stars.
Roscoe Mitchell/Albert “Tootie” Heath
“Hey Donald” (Hey Donald, Delmark, 1995) Mitchell, alto saxophone, composer; Heath, drums; Jodie Christian, piano; Malachi Favors, bass.
I can’t guess the drummer or bassist. The drummer is older-generation; they know swing. Is that how the saxophonist’s tone usually sounds? The intonation is tricky. Tell me. [afterwards] My second year at Cal Arts, Roscoe was Marcus Shelby’s and my teacher and we did a concert with him. It was exhausting. In 1995, Roscoe made a record with Tootie Heath, who was my drum teacher at Cal Arts. That’s the one. Great cover.
Cannonball Adderley/Roy McCurdy
“Blue And Boogie” (Burnin’ In Bordeaux: Live In France 1969, Elemental Music, 1969/2024) McCurdy, drums; Cannonball Adderley, alto saxophone; Nat Adderley, trumpet; Joe Zawinul, piano; Victor Gaskin, bass.
Vincent Herring. No? The drummer is Kenny Washington. Joe Farnsworth? Oh, this is Cannonball Adderley. So, Nat Adderley, Roy McCurdy, maybe Walter Booker. Ron McClure? [Victor Gaskin] What year is this? [1969] Joe Zawinul. [long drum solo] I’ve never heard this. Incredible. Roy still plays like this at 90. My introduction to Roy was when he played with Nancy Wilson; I saw them many times live and on television. I never took drum lessons from Roy, but I used to hang out with him and Tootie, who had a little hi-hat fraternity. 5 stars. DB
The “Blindfold Test” is a listening test that challenges the featured artist to discuss and identify the music and musicians who performed on selected recordings. The artist is then asked to rate each tune using a 5-star system. No information is given to the artist prior to the test.
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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