Avant-garde guitarist James Blood Ulmer dead at 86
James Blood Ulmer, the American guitarist known for his expansive avant-garde style, has died aged 86.
The musician was best-known in the early part of the 1980s for his fusion of jazz, blues, and funk, which included a stint spent signed to Columbia Records, where he created three albums.
A statement released by his family on June 8th via Facebook explained that he died on June 3rd, calling him “our guitar hero”.
They added: “This is a great loss and sorrow to us all. May he rest in peace,” before fans filled the comments with their own memories and tributes to Ulmer.
Separately, the family expanded in another statement by saying: “His music was fearless, and so was his spirit,” reflecting on a career that spanned from the early 1960s right up until 2023.
One of Ulmer’s key influences was the late Ornette Coleman, the great saxophonist improviser whom the guitarist joined as the first-ever electric addition to his band. From there, the pair toured extensively together throughout the 1970s, with Coleman proving to be pivotal on the course of Ulmer’s early career.
In a slightly more unexpected turn of events, later down the line, Ulmer’s sophomore album, Are You Glad to Be in America? was released in 1980 by the British record label Rough Trade, and its pounding heart of a message led him to support bands during the era, such as Captain Beefheart and Public Image Ltd.
Shortly after this, Ulmer signed with major label Columbia, and released three albums over the span of 1981 to 1983, which were Free Lancing, Black Rock and Odyssey. In doing so, this marked an unprecedented move from a label that size, in putting its backing in an avant-garde artist.
However, many of Ulmer’s mainstream inspirations were still clear. Although he was often credited as a new Jimi Hendrix for the next generation, he admitted himself that the death of the guitar god in 1970 led the innovation in his playing technique to stagnate.
Never Miss A Beat
The Far Out Music Newsletter
All the latest music news from the independent voice of culture.
Straight to your inbox.