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,…
Hal Gaba, who, along with Norman Lear helped to build Concord Records from a small independent jazz label to one of the largest independent record labels in the world, died at his Los Angeles home on March 9 of prostate cancer. He was 63.
Gaba and Lear bought Concord Records in 1999, and immediately began to expand the company. From the purchase of Fantasy Records and Telarc to the company’s partnership with Starbuck’s that led to releases such as the Grammy winning Ray Charles album Genius Loves Company—in addition to a devotion to signing and promotion jazz artists at a time when few companies are—Concord became the preeminent label in jazz.
“A life-long passion, knowledge and commitment to popular music and film formed the basis of the close friendships he developed with many of the artists and colleagues he worked with and admired, always making sure that the artists’ creativity and careers were properly in the spotlight,” wrote Joel Amsterdam, Concord vice president of publicity, on Concord’s web site. “His genuine love, appreciation and generosity sustained those relationships throughout his life.”
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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