James "Blood" Ulmer
James "Blood" Ulmer
February 8, 1940 – June 3, 2026
James "Blood" Ulmer grew up in South Carolina. He spent his early career in gospel and R&B groups. In 1971, he moved to New York City. There, he became the premier disciple of free-jazz pioneer Ornette Colman. (Yahoo)
"Blood" was the first electric guitarist to record and tour with Coleman. He applied Coleman's Harmolodics concept to the guitar. This theory freed the music from traditional chord progressions and strict adherence to a key. This approach established the foundations of the free funk movement.
Later in his career, he returned tightly to his roots. He partnered with Living Colour guitarist Vernon Reid. Reid produced acclaimed projects like the Grammy-nominated Memphis Blood: The Sun Sessions. (2001)
Harmolodics Diagram
