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,…
A landmark jazz recording recently reached a landmark of its own as the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) bestowed Gold Certification upon saxophonist John Coltrane’s classic recording Blue Train.
Blue Train, Coltrane’s sole session as a leader for Blue Note Records, was recorded in 1957 in the midst of his tenure as a sideman in bands led by Miles Davis and Thelonious Monk, and is widely considered to be his first great recording, establishing him as a bandleader of distinction in his own right.
The certification marks album, cassette and CD sales of more than 500,000 copies, and Blue Note marked the occasion by presenting Gold plaques to the jazz legend’s son Ravi Coltrane, and widow Alice Coltrane, who lives in California and was unavailable for the presentation.
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,…
A drummer’s drummer, Rodney Holmes gigged with everyone from Joe Zawinul and Carlos Santana to Steve Kimock and the Brecker Brothers.
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