James Blood Ulmer & Dave Bryant | on Ornette Coleman | Third Thursdays

#ornettecoleman #davebryant #primetime #harmolodic
This month, we interview harmolodic pioneer guitarist James Blood Ulmer. Of all the many great musicians with whom he worked, Ornette Coleman spoke of no one with the respect he reserved for James Blood, and it was a thrill to talk to him, and have him perform at our Third Thursday Series (video coming soon).
The “Third Thursdays with Dave Bryant and Friends” harmolodic jazz series began this past April, with the premise of providing an opportunity for local audiences to experience an approach to jazz improvisation that can best be described as fun challenges. An approach that will be played out once a month by host Dave Bryant, former member of Ornette Coleman & Prime Time, who will be drawing from his large pool of many near and far musical friends, all there to enjoy themselves. All “Third Thursdays” sessions are held on a regular monthly basis within the Harvard-Epworth Methodist Church, located a short walking distance from Harvard Square. Audience seating capacity will abide by whatever health and safety protocols are in place on any given month.
The ”Third Thursdays” harmolodic jazz series is funded in part by the Appalachian Springs Foundation (ASF), a private foundation located in Wheeling, WV. As a nonprofit arts and educational organization, ASF has supported dance, film, music, and educational projects. dbryantmusic.com/third-thursdays.
#ornettecoleman #davebryant #primetime #harmolodic

[@tinatammaro1694]

Mr. Ulmer the most emotional and thoughtful guitar player I have heard. Thank you for your music.

[@narosgmbh5916]

Thanks for that. Although the interview had some limitations (time and unfortunate Q&A technique.) I'm happy to see JBU in good shape. That's the most important.

[@erikheddergott5514]

James Blood Ulmer was the one Man who has torn me into Jazz.

[@pederlong1784]

Tremendous interview

[@bmuhamad]

Funk is the Preacher.

[@fartguy69]

Thanks for doing these, and continuing to explore the harmolodic concepts. It's very interesting listening to different musicians try to describe it and "dance about architecture" so to speak. Cheers!

[@VelPed]

The one and only Mr. Ulmer the King true innovator No one sounds like him ❤❤❤ and I doubt it ever will

[@brvj0688]

Thank you

[@p.r.h.7283]

What book is that he’s thumbing through???

[@strangersname]

I really wish I could have learned more from this interview, especially since as you say Ornette highly respected Ulmer. But I found, listening, the same vague, obscure, elliptical and murky words and ideas that you often get when hearing about Ornette's music and conceptions. You could have pressed him a little more-- "What were your first gigs with Ornette like?" "What do you mean by you 'started' when you first played with him", etc. I mean, if he played with him night and day for a long time, WHAT WAS THAT LIKE? Granted, Ulmer doesn't seem to be very articulate or to even want to talk about music at all.

[@fartguy69]

I think maybe James was just not used to being interviewed, and Dave came in pretty hot with the Ornette questions... James is a legend in his own right and probably has alot to say about other aspects of music. He seemed a little annoyed to make the whole thing about Ornette. If there were some more general questions about James himself first to warm up to asking about Ornette he might have been more forthcoming. Also non musical things could also inform the musical talk, for example he was his bodyguard? how much of that comment was a joke? It seemed like there might be more to that, at least psychologically for Blood. I'd be interested to know more about that. I like Dave and the format of the show I just think when you're talking to a guy with the stature of Blood Ulmer there are some special considerations one may have to make when approaching an interview. Either way still glad to have watched it and that it exists. Cheers!

[@erikheddergott5514]

@@fartguy69Actually I think that the Interview needed more preparation: Why: I am 62 now and I have to search my Memories much harder than 20 Years ago. Blood is 83 Years old, and I am quite sure that if he takes his Time he could tell us a Lot.

[@bmuhamad]

​@@erikheddergott5514Thanks for your response. Mr. Ulmer is an elder. How much more should one press him. Are there more specific topics to be discussed? What's the preference?

[@bmuhamad]

It's always the music. What part, & where does one start?

[@erikheddergott5514]

@@bmuhamad Okay: If asked what the Difference of his Diatonic Harmolodic Funk is to Ornette Coleman‘s Harmolodics he sure could still explain that instantly. But for other Stuff it really might make Sense to lay out the Questions beforehand so, he like anyone else has the Time to browse his Memories. It would be an educational Video sure, but spontaneous Improvisation yields more Fun in Concert. A well prepared Interview sure would allow him to elaborate his Theories and Stories.

[@uncleremus64]

I love JBU, but it doesn't seem like he couldn't remember. Seems more like he didn't want to provide much. "I didn't meet Ornette. You don't MEET Ornette." Later on..."I first met Ornette."