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2LP
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IOR 771001LP
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"James Blood Ulmer turns back the wheel of time with his Album Inandout. Just a few chords and he is back where everything began. In Detroit, where the gruff guitarist had his first gigs in the bands of organists Hank Marr and Big John Patton. In Minton's Playhouse, New York, with all of those big names, such as Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers, Rashied Ali, Paul Bley, Larry Young, Ronald Shannon Jackson, Arthur Blythe, David Murray, Julius Hemphill, Pharaoh Sanders, John Zorn, Vernon Reid, and Bill Laswell, who were leading him through the improvising wilderness. And with his shining hero, Ornette Coleman, who encouraged 'Blood' to transpose the special harmonies he created to the finger board of the guitar. Ulmer, at age 67, takes stock while at the same time is looking forward. 'In & Out' is the title of a composition by the legendary tenor saxophone player, Joe Henderson, and is also the name of the record company for which 'Blood' recorded this masterpiece. Says James, 'Joe gave me a job and helped me to become known. I am very grateful to him. He was my friend.' And it was for this reason that Ulmer dedicated 'Song For Joe' to Henderson. In addition, there are nine other tunes, created by his trio, which features Mark Peterson on bass and Aubrey Dayle on drums. 'Blood' likes to shake people awake. Not with commercial superficiality, which was never his message. He prefers the suspenseful depth. 'Those who are full of satisfaction should no longer listen, but for those who still yearn for the truth, I will deliver it.' The truth for Ulmer lies deep in his music. This is a musician who, from the very beginning, has been an exception to the rule. James 'Blood' Ulmer has never been driven into the mainstream, but, on principle, always swam against the stream. Blues, time and again, Blues. The only truly free music."
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CD
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MOCCD 14019CD
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"If you are not familiar with James Blood Ulmer, you are certainly missing an important artist in your collection. This particular album is probably his best work. With Calvin Weston as one of two drummers, the music drives forward at a frenetic pace, while Ulmer dives in and out with short riffs. Irene Datcher, who sings on a few of the cuts with the gravel voiced Ulmer, has the vocal power to rise above the busy music and is a real stand out. Most impressive is the flying bass of Amin Ali! This album is not for the faint of heart. Ulmer's melding of harmonic-melodic Jazz (a la Coleman) rocks and takes some listening effort. The listener should relax and focus on James' guitar as the rest of the band comes to you like a steamroller."
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CD
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IO 77100CD
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"This fine release was recorded in Germany, in 2008. It features James 'Blood' Ulmer on guitar, flute and vocals, the trio heard here consists of Mark Peterson-electric and acoustic bass, and Aubrey Dayle-drums. All the songs were written by the leader James 'Blood' Ulmer."
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