James Blood Ulmer

Innovative Jazz and Blues Guitarist

James "Blood" Ulmer is an American jazz and blues guitarist and singer, whose distinctive style combines elements of free jazz, funk, and rock within a blues framework. Born on February 2, 1940, in St. Matthews, South Carolina, Ulmer developed his unique sound through years of experience and experimentation. He moved to New York City in the early 1970s where he became a part of the city's avant-garde jazz scene, collaborating with influential artists like Ornette Coleman. His work with Coleman was significant as it introduced him to the concept of harmolodics, which became a foundation for his future musical explorations.