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,…
Christian McBride’s “The Movement Revisited,” a tribute to four civil rights icons, will debut at Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles on May 16. The performance concludes the Los Angeles Philharmonic Association’s 2007/2008 jazz series.
McBride composed the music for “The Movement Revisited,” which features a 17-piece big band, spoken narrators and the St. James Sacred Nation Choir. Loretta Devine narrates the words of Rosa Parks, Carl Lumbly narrates the words of Malcolm X, James Avery narrates the words of Muhammad Ali and Wendell Pierce narrates the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
“The sacrifices made by these four African Americans have been so enveloped in myth, that, to a large extent, their names are remembered more than their accomplishments,” McBride said. “This piece will capture musically how their deeds shaped our world, and remind us of our responsibility to see, paving theway for so many to live a better life.”
More info: laphil.org
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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