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,…
Greenleaf Music recently released Meaning & Mystery from label owner’s Dave Douglas Quintet on April 11. The album, Douglas’ first quintet recording since 2004’s Strange Liberation, was recorded on Feb. 1 in New York and includes nine new original compositions by Douglas.
The ensemble playing on Meaning & Mystery has been together for six years and includes Uri Caine on Fender Rhodes, Donny McCaslin on tenor sax (who replaced Chris Potter), James Genus on bass and Clarence Penn on drums.
Douglas tapped into inspiration from poetry, visual arts, architecture, dance, film, and artists such as Lee Morgan and Anthony Braxton, as well as groups he said are “not given the appropriate credit for the great expansions in music.” Of the songs that fill Meaning & Mystery, Douglas said they are “songs that can be approached with –- that invite -– personality, expressiveness, immediacy.”
A national tour in support of the new album will launch with three nights at The Jazz Bakery in Los Angeles, April 20-23.
Tour dates and more information can be found at greenleafmusic.com and davedouglas.com.
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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