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,…
René Marie will release Sound Of Red on Motéma Music on May 13.
(Photo: Photo: John Abbott)Vocalist René Marie, a Grammy-nominated jazz vocalist with a style firmly rooted in the blues, will add another album to her acclaimed discography. Motéma Music will release Sound Of Red on May 13.
The album, Marie’s first full program of original songs, will explore a range of styles and genres.
“The ‘Sound of Red’ attempts to cover the spectrum of human emotion,” said Marie, who also served as co-producer for all 11 of the album’s tracks.
Sound Of Red will be Marie’s fourth album for Motéma, having debuted on the label in 2011 with The Voice Of My Beautiful Country. She is joined on the project by musical guests that include saxophonist Sherman Irby, trumpeter Etienne Charles and guitarist Romero Lubambo.
The singer’s previous album—I Wanna Be Evil (Motéma), a tribute to actress, singer and activist Eartha Kitt—received a 4-star review in the January 2014 issue of DownBeat.
Below, DownBeat presents an exclusive album preview of the title track for Sound Of Red:
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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