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,…
PiaNOLA Live, the first live solo album from pianist Henry Butler, will be released on April 29 by New Orleans-based indie label Basin Street Records. Butler is currently on a solo tour and will open for B.B. King on March 3–4 in Bethesda, Md.
Butler will perform with the Game Band at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival on May 3.
Butler has been recording his performances for decades. And while Butler lost his home and many of his possessions in the floods resulting from Hurricane Katrina, his archive of tapes survived intact. From this collection of performances, Butler and pianist George Winston handpicked the 11 songs that comprise the album.
Spring tour dates include:
Feb. 16: Snug Harbor Jazz Club, New Orleans
Feb. 28: Patriots Theater, Trenton, N.J.
March 3–4: Music Center at Strathmore, No. Bethesda, Md.
March 8: International Boogie Woogie Festival, Holland, Netherlands
March 23: Burnley National Blues Festival, Burnley, United Kingdom
April 4: D-Note, Arvada. Colo.
April 19: Shaftman Performance Hall, Roanoke, Va.
April 25: Manship Theatre, Baton Rouge, La.
More info: henrybutler.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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