Search - James Blood Ulmer :: No Wave

Great Free Funk

Scott Hercher | Scranton, PA | 03/21/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The all-star cast on this album alone makes this album worth listening to. At times, James Blood Ulmer's guitar playing - while always terrific - is almost an afterthought as the other musicians dominate. Ronald Shannon Jackson's muscular drumming is always a delight to listen to, and he and bassist Amin Ali really drive the music. David Murray seems like the front man with his soaring and searing sax playing. Still, this is Ulmer's album and his music. His ability to bring the free jazz and "harmolodic" sensibilities to a funk beat makes most of this album a tremendous example of Ulmer's music. The last track - sound check, however, detracts from the album as a whole as he just seems to ramble on without a point."

Interesting but not persuasive

littlewing | Mumbai India | 10/23/2008

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Ulmer is the kind of guitarist/musician that always engages you, but this album lacks the visceral power and, imagination of his solo ventures of the time.

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