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 Immanuel Wilkins Quartet: bassist Daryl Johns (left), drummer Kweku Sumbry, Wilkins on saxophone and pianist Micah Thomas
(Photo: Rog Walter)This week’s streaming highlights include the 2021 Virtual Blues Music Awards with Shemekia Copeland leading the charge with four nominations. Or, head over to Europe for the Helsinki International Big Band Composing Contest. For another large ensemble experience, check out Orbert Davis’ Jazz Philharmonic from Chicago. And for something completely different, head on up to Vermont to hear saxophonist Immanuel Wilkins and his quartet. A fee is associated with some of the material listed, and some items have been sourced from WBGO, WDCB and WWOZ. Please support jazz radio. DB
June 2: Adam Kolker’s Expanded Trio at Bar Bayeux (Brooklyn)
June 2: Simone Baron & Friends, An Die Musik (Baltimore)
June 3: Zawadi Noël, Joe’s Pub Uncharted Concert Series (New York)
June 3: Brad Linde Solo Saxophone, An Die Musik (Baltimore)
June 3: Artifacts at Constellation (Chicago)
June 4: Helsinki International Big Band Composing Contest (Finland)
June 4: Hatcher/Maunu/Roebke/Kirshner at Constellation (Chicago)
June 4: Arturo O’Farill’s Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra with Guests, Shapeshifter Labs (Brooklyn)
June 5: Bill Heid Trio, An Die Musik (Baltimore)
June 5: Benito Gonzalez Trio, An Die Musik (Baltimore)
June 5: Immanuel Wilkins Quartet, Vermont Jazz Center
June 5: Irreversible Entanglements at Constellation (Chicago)
June 5–July 3: Orbert Davis’ Chicago Jazz Philharmonic, Messages of Hope (Chicago)
June 6: 2021 Virtual Blues Music Awards
June 6: Quintet Attacca at Constellation (Chicago)
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,…
Clockwise from top left, Mary Halvorson, Patricia Brennan, Adam O’Farrill, Keith Jarrett’s At the Deer Head Inn: The Complete Recordings, Sheila Jordan and Jaki Byard.
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