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,…
Filmmaker Bret Primack has produced new podcasts available through his site and iTunes. The new installments are part of the Orrin Keepnews series featuring the work of Cannonball Adderley, Bill Evans and Thelonious Monk.
Keepnews discusses producing Adderley’s third live recording, The Cannonball Adderley Sextet in New York, in the podcast. In addition to the record producer’s memories of his friend and his live date at the Village Vanguard, this podcast includes video of a 1958 Adderley interview where he recalls hearing Charlie Parker, and a performance clip from his 1963 sextet.
Keepnews worked closely with Evans, producing the pianist’s first recordings when he arrived in New York in the mid-’50s for Riverside Records. This episode, “Portrait Of Bill,” features Portrait In Jazz, Evans’ first recording with his own trio and includes 1958 video of the pianist playing George Russell’s “Billy The Kid.”
“Thelonious Monk, Town Hall Concert, Part 2” captures Monk’s 1959 Town Hall Concert. Before the concert, Keepnews explained to Monk a series of signals they would use so that between numbers, Monk would wait and make sure the tape was running. But in performance, things ran amok.
More info: jazzvideoguy.tv
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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