Brian Blade & The Fellowship Band - Full Performance (Live on KEXP)

KEXP.ORG presents Brian Blade & The Fellowship Band performing live in the KEXP studio. Recorded February 26, 2016.
Songs:
Stoner Hill
Landmarks
Shenandoah
Farewell Bluebird
Host: John Gilbreath
Audio Engineer: Kevin Suggs
Cameras: Jim Beckmann, Scott Holpainen & Luke Knecht
Editor: Jim Beckmann
Photo thumbnail by Alan Lawrence
kexp.org
www.brianblade.com

[@franzs8919]

October evening, sitting on my balcony and listening to this masterpiece while drinking a glass of cheap red wine and smoking handrolled cigarettes as the sun goes down- life is good

[@manysnakes]

I have no hesitation in stating unequivocally that Brian Blade is the best living drummer, and one of the best drummers in the history of jazz music. He belongs right beside Max and Elvin.

[@jjakji2078]

+darkasthegrave One of the greatest American musicians to ever live. Rivaling past giants and geniuses like Davis and Coltrane in my book.

[@PognasMusic]

What's your required listening list for Mr. Blade?

[@yremogtnomnad]

At ^^ You should check out all of the Brian Blade Fellowship albums (Brian Blade Fellowship, Perceptual, Season of Changes and Landmarks), as well as Mama Rosa, on which he sings and plays guitar. There are also some great videos here on KZbin of him playing with Josh Redman, Brad Mehldau and Christian McBride in the 90s. He's in the Wayne Shorter Quartet as well (again, many videos on here, as well as the album Without A Net), he was in the Josh Redman Elastic Band (Jazz Crimes!), he played on Beyond the Wall by Kenny Garrett, the list goes on and on! He is one seriously incredible musician.

[@taylorrobertsguitarist]

I'm inclined to agree. While Elvin has always been my favorite in history, Blade is far and wide my favorite today. And vying for the "of all time" status, to be perfectly honest.

[@simasuma]

I couldn't agree more.

[@SalimSivaad]

*Brian Blade:* Drums *Jon Cowherd:* Piano; Harmonium *Chris Thomas:* Bass *Myron Walden:* Alto Saxophone; Bass Clarinet *Melvin Butler:* Tenor & Soprano Saxophones

[@HMohr]

Brian's dynamic range is so badass that he should form a group called "64-bit and Floating Points".

[@acertainshadeofdead]

i laughed a lot harder at that than I should have. You a programmer?

[@HMohr]

no, but I'm into audio stuff in general. I'm a musician and biologist (work with bioacoustics).

[@acertainshadeofdead]

+H Mohr Whoa that is cool

[@komadoripart2351]

H Mohr ｘ

[@mateeles3329]

rock ppp k

[@joshuasaltzman2403]

Brian Blade is one of the baddest drummers alive, yet in his drummer-led band he shows a tremendous amount of restraint and introspection, even doing a drummerless tune.

[@YG-us6tl]

and that's why he's one of the best :)

[@olubibabalola]

Indeed. Reminds me of the line in Geto Boys "Damn it Feels Good to be a Gangsta", that runs (and I paraphrase) 'a real G' doesn't have to flex, cause he knows he got it.

[@EnderKiller100]

if it is irony maybe i dont geit but, why do you say he is one of the baddest drummers? its been 4 years since your comment but i hope u or somebody answer

[@joshuasaltzman2403]

Maybe this is where the confusion came from: “baddest” is American slang for “best” “toughest” “most impressive” etc - guessing you are not writing from the US.

[@EnderKiller100]

@@joshuasaltzman2403 Ooh Thanks!. you're right, How did i not realize, jaja. And that's right, im not writing from the US. Thanks for the explanation

[@FabiodeAlbuquerque]

Stoner Hill - 02:24 Landmarks - 10:21 Shenandoah - 19:20 Farewell Bluebird - 28:55

[@filofoto]

You da real MVP

[@Drummer_Jacob]

Don't forget, awkward hosting/commentating: 0:00 - end

[@TheRando10]

Awkward? The interviewer is clearly passionate about jazz and about this wonderful band. You can tell when he gets choked up after Shenandoah.

[@CaptainJazz262]

THANK YOU

[@CMH4LIFE]

Stoner Hill is unbelievable

[@roomsforghost]

Really beautiful stuff from Brian..In a world full of time keepers, Brian is a musician playing drums

[@trevorsmith8950]

He plays the drumset like it's an orchestra. Him, Kendrick Scott, and Dave King are all masters at exploring all the timbral and textural possibilities of the kit. I'm just blown away.

[@jackbarnard1781]

Brian blade is my new favorite guy!!! Awesome talent. Seriously I discovered him 2hs ago. Time to order an album might be body & shadows

[@richochet]

Did you order yet? 😊

[@davidmccullough1571]

This band has brought me so much joy and peace and excitement over the years. Brian Blade and Jon Cowherd are magical together. And the rest of the band fits so perfectly around their dynamic. It's literally healing every time I play their stuff.

[@mishagasparovsky196]

Yes, very beautiful people and band and mucic. Beyond words, just pure goodness.

[@believeinittobe]

Wow, that opening tune had me on my knees. So much emotion...

[@matteoincollu8737]

This music is the answer to many questions that life poses.

[@jeffreyalexander7504]

this is such a fine band. I love how down to earth it feels listening to these guys. Anyone can dig their sound. They take the concept of an ensemble of jazz snobs and and crap all over it. Brian himself plays so free and he is IMHO the most expressive drummer I've had the pleasure of watching and listening.

[@skaynekurtis]

Jon Cowherd's musical voice is so perfect - just so deeply rooted in the blues & his Nola upbringing... props to Ellis Marsalis for another outstanding student sent into the jazz world -- the lineage is deep!

[@DahVeeDeeOh]

Can't stop watching this. The arrangements and musicianship is unreal.

[@Steeltowner]

This band carries all the weight and history of the art form created by musical giants of the past. Much love and respect.

[@robertcornett4779]

Blade is one of the finest Jazz Drummers on the planet(s)! His latest, "Landmarks" is a new high point for the Fellowship Project. Love your music Brian Blade!

[@Yikum24]

Shenandoah, the keys, really struck me and will always stick with me.

[@fred8097]

Sublime music. Always so impressed by Brian Blade's sensitivity and musicality.

[@peterholzerkopf5058]

The whole band is absolutely incredible. They are all in their music and organic Poets.

[@olivierpochet3798]

Merci beaucoup pour ce superbe moment jazz!!!!!

[@PRJobTips]

This is such an all-star band with so much musical talent and depth. Thanks, KEXP and host John Gilbreath for an engaging and enduring live set.

[@timothy2204]

The melodies and atmosphere give me chills.. add to that the musical playing of every artist and it rises to another experience.

[@SerginhoMoreira]

Brian Blade!! I love his drumming!

[@dunmorul]

Stunning. Some of the best music and performance I've ever heard.

[@whiskystefan1978]

What an amazing artist Brian Blade is. As a drummer he has a fantastic use of textures to broaden out his grooves.He reminds me somewhat of norwegian drummer Jon Christensen in that sense.

[@angelcede88]

It's 1:46am, just heard, no, just got blown away by this superb subtle world. So much respect to the musicians, this guys ain´t playin! P.S.: Kevin Suggs has a couple of blessed ears

[@blueavadis22]

He’s not a Chops machine like most drummers, he really plays with his brain and heart. My favorite drummer now.

[@matthewjames206]

I just love jazz drumming... jazz musicianship. Good stuff right here.

[@travm8974]

I have never been so completely submersed by music in my life until I heard the track "Landmarks" especially this recording in particular, absolutely mind blowing stuff. You can visually see how much all these artists are enjoying themselves, what a brilliant upload.

[@OtisAvalon]

I was having a bit of a down day, then I stumbled across these guys. That was exactly what what I needed to hear. Bravo!

[@TheLarkResending]

Such beautiful music played by such beautiful musicians. So much joy, tenderness and passion.

[@insaneintherainmusic]

Nice videography, great mix, love these guys! Great hearing some words from Brian as well.

[@olubibabalola]

indeed. I personally would add Jack DeJohnette to the list. He and Brian(in reverse order) are my favorites

[@williamalmond1028]

wow! so cool to see you here! big fan, love your work

[@dorianaydin331]

You prolly dont care but does anybody know a method to get back into an instagram account? I somehow lost the password. I appreciate any help you can offer me!

[@arturomagnus9628]

@Dorian Aydin Instablaster :)

[@dorianaydin331]

@Arturo Magnus i really appreciate your reply. I got to the site through google and I'm in the hacking process now. I see it takes quite some time so I will get back to you later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

[@ayoublahnoud6949]

Shenandoah, dear God, is one hell of an interpretation!

[@bernieheveron1929]

Tower of Power is playing in the street in downtown Rochester in 15 minutes and I can't pull myself away from this beautiful, soulful music.

[@kevansmith5511]

I have been in bands with both Brian and Brady, They are great people. Love this!

[@edge60able]

I am so fucking jealous

[@ohthepeppers]

Great musicianship all round. Fantastic stuff.

[@pjselby]

This could be my gateway drug to more jazz.

[@JamesLeeLeeLee]

Unreeeeeal. These guys are nuts

[@jasonbiggs603]

The care put into each beat.

[@bamboofstillmorning2232]

Hi guys at KEXP! I recently found these concerts and have been binging on them =) THANK YOU so much! I humbly request that you name ALL of the musicians in these shows in the info session. Put yourself in their shoes. You're in a vid with 80,000 views, but 90 percent of the viewers don't know your name.

[@MStelevision]

Yes, yes, yes! Pleeeeeeeeeease! Why should I have to google "Brian Blade and the Fellowship Band" to find out who the other musicians are? Please fix this "bug", KEXP.

[@thesidedoorjazzclub2798]

What a great band!! Their sound tells a huge story. I hope someday they can play at my club.

[@sagecreekwitt3301]

Brian Blade is the epitome of drumming perfection. I really loved his music with Black Dub. More music please

[@BigElectricCat]

Yep, Black Dub was a great one off Band. They captured something very special.

[@oliverparkes1050]

First real introduction into this kinda stuff! Lovin' it

[@GoodMusicGoodMood]

Check out their session from the Chicago Music Exchange. Equally blissful

[@Nicofromtheweb]

+Nick Rhinehart And some recents live performances of wayne shorter !

[@outsidetheinside8817]

Outstanding band!

[@haveatomato]

Great performance. Saw this band live once years ago, and it was such an amazing experience, love all the individual components and the compositions and of course Brian blade is one of my favorite musicians period, and I’m not even a drummer.

[@cfinnstl]

This is great; thank you for taping and sharing. BB and the Fellowship rock!

[@Studentojazzkeys]

Jazz with soul....love these guys!

[@jose222]

thank you for sharing +KEXP - loved every second!!!

[@jamesforest8193]

My soul's at peace!

[@kezzworld]

This vid is just incredible! Beautifully filmed, wonderfully recorded and some of the finest jazz musicianship you'll hear anywhere. The last number, Farewell Bluebird, is a work of art, a truly genius composition! Congrats to Brian Blade & fellowship Band! Can't wait to see Brian with Chick Corea/Eddie Gomez this coming spring!!

[@timbalfe6144]

The Sound is so Beautiful and the tunes so much more than I can get this first listen. Thank you for making this.

[@yannmercier8227]

Thanks you for your radio station and for all of incredible guests...always a pleasure to listening ..and discovering musicians with passion and subtlety and humiled

[@OooouhBigFatCat]

Absolutely LOVE Brian Blade!

[@jamiegould2594]

Wow, wow, wow! What a way to make my Friday. These musicians are incredible!

[@ShufflingMySticks]

Very pleasant surprise KEXP, thanks!

[@saschamanscom]

What a great performance. Beautiful!

[@goweatherford]

I've listened to it four times now and Shenandoah has moved me to tears every time.

[@tomvillano5824]

such depth and emotion in this music- incredible!

[@MarioCalzadaMusic]

Holy master! Mr Briand Blade! and this guys............................... inspiring

[@mario7frankielee]

i love how brian crashes the ride drummer brilliant but never let his virtuosity distract him from playing music ⭐️🕯️⭐️🕯️⭐️🕯️⭐️🕯️

[@jorgetenamusic]

Amazing!! Loved it, so beautiful music and great musicians. Brian is awesome!!

[@arELitoctoc]

Wow!!! Stoner hill me conmueve hasta las lágrimas desde la primera vez que la escuché.♡

[@hotboxcomix7446]

This is absolutely gorgeous music.

[@CC-vw1cs]

wow....i feel filled with peace and bliss listening to this amazing music....

[@tyleranderson9190]

I feel fortunate to be able to listen to such superb music!

[@aikoyonamine]

Transcending ❤️🙏 Ode to Brian Blade and his beautiful energy. Have been blessed to be with his presence numerous times so thankful. With deepest gratitude to KEXP for making this happen.

[@skaqqs]

Absolutely wonderful and stunning music. Fantastic interview. Thanks (again) KEXP!

[@conraddean6510]

I must see Brian Blade live before I die. This is astoundingly good

[@sbingham1979]

Another fabulous band of musicians I have never heard of. Thank you yet again, KEXP.

[@Gabrielogomess]

So beautifle, and what I most enjoy about Fellowship is by the way they play, they mean every single note they play and it´s magic....glad I´m alive to witness this type of music and musicians as well

[@maskon1724]

That is the best “Shenandoah” I’ve ever heard.

[@IAM-zb3jy]

The beautiful texture and dynamic nuances flowed into my ears and exited in tears of joy and appreciation! WOW! Thank you!!

[@geaux2girl]

Love Brian Blade!! Super genuine guy and so extremely talented!! Great sound, KEXP!

[@FabioReisatdirectorandmusician]

Thank you for your musicality, Brian! Beautiful concert!

[@joespago9875]

Thank you KEXP, for bringing so much amazing music to me and the world that I never would have known about without you. 🙏

[@curtisbowland4900]

very impressed by the whole group beautiful music thanks for bringing it. peace

[@RnBskjp7]

so smooth stick movement he makes... wonderful!

[@adsdrums]

Such an amazing performance from my most favorite band. I love the comment from John Gilbreath after Shenandoah at 23:10: "That's gorgeous.....small word." He's exactly right; gorgeous doesn't even begin to describe it.

[@lesliecarpede-keysvocals_s6299]

Viva Brian Blade! Viva! From South Africa

[@JoryBlake]

Superb work! What an honor to hang out with these guys.

[@LizNeumann]

beautiful. simply beautiful.

[@jerryblades]

absolutely wonderful.

[@Purpadurpolis]

Truly gorgeous.

[@feralveracity]

that relay from clarinet to show horn was dumb dumb radical. and that happily looping tangent. done swirled up my gut.

[@feralveracity]

in the first go.

[@csr1188]

in a video full of rewindable moments the clip i cant stop watching is 35:06, it's simple, perfect feel in communion with Chris Thomas who is all smiles :)

[@chicanochops]

Absolutely beautiful performance... nice host as well

[@DarkBodom666]

Thanks for this great music

[@dfordtru]

Been a fan of Brian Blade + Fellowship for years...these talented guys epitomize the ideals of jazz by collectively and humbly creating music that's greater than the sum of their individual contributions. I love how Fellowship's music is nuanced yet expansive, joyful and healing, and spiritually replenishing. This band's music flows with the energy of deep love and grace. Seeing the exuberance in Blade's face is like watching a kid with an ice cream cone--pure joy! You know he is doing what he was born to do, and we are all the beneficiaries of his gift. Top it all off, this recording's audio quality is pristine.

[@Iorch13]

Great band and KEXP, you´re awesome, thanks for give us that performing. i´m a fan from Mexico. : D

[@sidsmiff]

Holy moly. If this doesn’t soothe your soul then nothing will. Amazing.

[@lewiselliott9038]

Unique style, fantastically musical, superb drumming

[@sergiufanica4547]

I wish there were more people like this presentor in the world that sustain,promote art and culture ..

[@s3xinv3gas]

This is beautiful music.

[@lucassantos8185]

That's absolutely beautiful! Thank you Brian and The Fellowship. Next step now is to check this Live!

[@rondickson7740]

They do not disappoint bruv. Sound is so authentic, it sounds the same live or recorded👌🏽

[@dww613]

Need more of this.

[@user-jw4dl4tw1n]

So relaxing

[@johnmichael8285]

very nice jazz music..........so beautiful..melody

[@skaynekurtis]

...wish they'd visit Vegas... off-Strip, of course, at the Smith Center cabaret theater...perfect venue for this amazing fellowship. We'll keep fingers crossed...

[@taijazvidfish]

Wonderful!

[@santiagoarias50]

Kevin Suggs is the head behind this sound mixing. Amazing work. Greetings from Colombia