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,…
The Manhattan School of Music Afro-Cuban Jazz Orchestra, directed by drummer Bobby Sanabria, will perform a concert April 1 in New York celebrating the 50th anniversary of Machito and The Afro-Cubans 1957’s album Kenya.
That evening they will present the first live performance of Kenya with “Kenya Revisited” offering new arrangements of the work, recreating the first time this recording has been performed live. Joining as guest artist will be NEA jazz master Camero Candido on congas, who played on the original recording 50 years ago.
Machito and The Afro-Cubans under the musical direction of Mario Bauzá recorded Kenya in Dec. 1957 in New York at the Odd Fellows Temple. The recording featured Cannonball Adderley, Joe Newman, Doc Cheatham and Candido Camero.
More info: msmnyc.edu
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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