James Blood Ulmer

James Blood Ulmer was once described by the omnipotent Village Voice music critic and co-founder of the Black Rock Coalition, Greg Tate, as: “…the missing link between Jimi Hendrix and Wes Montgomery on one hand, between P-Funk and Mississippi Fred McDowell on the other.” Indeed, the 70-year-old guitarist, vocalist, and composer hovers atop the pantheon of American music mavericks. Forging an unyielding synthesis of musical styles, vision and virtuosity, Ulmer has left an indelible mark on those keen ears who’ve dared to follow him to that intangible place where the fiercest, most holy music occurs.

Bands and artists including Living Colour, Medeski, Martin and Wood, Andy Summers of The Police, Warren Haynes and Mark Ribot declare him a major influence.

“There are dimensions to Ulmer’s art which transcend labels of any kind; while (Ornette) Coleman’s influence cannot be denied, the guitarist has added an individual stamp of excitement and vitality which is intensified by a striking stage presence. In person he exhibits a magnetic physical attraction which, coupled with the almost totally unpredictable direction of his music, rivets the audience’s attention to a fascinating mixture of chaos and form. ” – beefheart.com