James Blood Ulmer

The Profile

James “Blood” Ulmer is an American guitarist, singer, and composer active since the 1960s. A key collaborator of Ornette Coleman, he brought harmolodic concepts to electric guitar, fusing free jazz with blues and funk on albums such as Are You Glad to Be in America?, Free Lancing, and Odyssey.

American guitarist and vocalist; active since the 1960s; associated with Ornette Coleman and the harmolodic approach; first guitarist in Coleman’s electric bands; known for blending blues, funk, and free jazz.

A single, strongly positive review highlights James Blood Ulmer’s fusion of blues, funk, and free jazz through Ornette Coleman’s harmolodic lens. It spotlights Are You Glad to Be in America? and its powerhouse lineup, praising Ulmer’s biting guitar, trance-like rhythms, and gritty vocals. The piece underscores his historic tie to Ornette’s electric bands and a credo: “Jazz is the teacher... But Funk is the preacher.”