Brian Blade

{{short description|American jazz drummer}}

{{Distinguish|Brian Blades}}

{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2015}}

{{Infobox musical artist

| name = Brian Blade

| image = Brian Blade at MJF 2014.jpg

| caption = Blade at the 2014 Monterey Jazz Festival

| birth_name =

| alias =

| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1970|7|25|mf=y}}

| birth_place = Shreveport, Louisiana, U.S.

| death_date =

| genre = Jazz

| occupation = Musician, composer

| instrument = Drums, percussion

| years_active =

| associated_acts = Brady Blade, Jon Cowherd, Joni Mitchell, Daniel Lanois, Kenny Garrett, Joshua Redman, Wayne Shorter

| label = Nonesuch, Columbia, Verve, Blue Note, Warner Bros.

| website = {{URL|brianblade.com}}

}}

{{listen

| filename = Brian Blade - Landmarks.ogg

| title = "Landmarks" by Brian Blade and the Fellowship Band

| description = From the 2014 album Landmarks

| pos =

}}

Brian Blade (born July 25, 1970) is an American jazz drummer, composer, and session musician.{{cite web|last=Thomas |first=Stephen |url={{AllMusic|class=artist |id=p57106/biography |pure_url=yes}} |title=Allmusic biography |publisher=Allmusic.com |access-date=October 6, 2011}}

Early life

File:brian-blade_DSC09067.jpg

Born and raised in Shreveport, Louisiana,{{cite web |title=Brian Blade - Biography |url=https://www.bluenote.com/artist/brian-blade/ |website=Blue Note Records |access-date=24 October 2023}} Blade was exposed to gospel and praise music{{cite news |last1=Hodge |first1=Eric |title=Brian Blade Brings 'Praise From The Heart' to Chapel Hill |url=https://www.wunc.org/arts-culture/2015-02-20/brian-blade-brings-praise-from-the-heart-to-chapel-hill |access-date=24 October 2023 |work=WUNC 91.5 |issue=February 20 |publisher=WUNC North Carolina Public Radio |date=2015}} while attending Zion Baptist Church at which his father, Brady L. Blade Sr., was pastor.{{cite news |last1=Roos |first1=Brandon |title=Revered Drummer Brian Blade Draws a Through-Line from Jazz to Gospel |url=https://www.kqed.org/arts/13834489/revered-jazz-drummer-brian-blade-the-fellowship |access-date=24 October 2023 |work=KQED |issue=Jun 11 |publisher=KQED Inc. |date=2018}} Blade initially began learning violin and participated in the church choir, an experience which Blade later acknowledged was influential in his musical development. Following in the footsteps of his older brother, Brady Blade Jr.,{{cite news |last1=Pellegrinelli |first1=Lara |title=O Brothers: Drummers Brian and Brady Blade |url=https://www.npr.org/sections/ablogsupreme/2013/12/10/249825711/o-brothers-drummers-brian-and-brady-blade |access-date=26 January 2024 |work=A Blog Supreme From NPR Jazz |agency=NPR |issue=December 10 |date=2013}} Blade developed skills on the drum kit while 'depping' for his brother in the church band.{{cite news |last1=Jolley |first1=Craig |title=Meet Brian Blade |url=https://www.allaboutjazz.com/meet-brian-blade-brian-blade |access-date=24 October 2023 |work=AllAboutJazz |issue=February 17 |publisher=All About Jazz & Jazz Near You. |date=2022}} Soon after Blade shifted his focus to the drums throughout middle and high school.{{cite web |url=http://www.brianblade.com/bio.aspx |title=Official site – biography |publisher=Brianblade.com |date=July 25, 1970 |access-date=October 6, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111006161210/http://www.brianblade.com/bio.aspx |archive-date=October 6, 2011 |df=mdy-all }}

During high school, while studying with Dorsey Summerfield Jr., Blade began listening to the music of John Coltrane and Thelonious Monk, and became increasingly influenced by the drumming styles of Elvin Jones, Art Blakey, Papa Jo Jones, and Paul Motian.{{cite news |last1=Davies |first1=Kaleb |title=Brian Blade: Serving the music |url=https://archive.orartswatch.org/brian-blade-serving-the-music/ |access-date=26 January 2024 |work=Oregon Arts Watch |issue=February 23 |publisher=Oregon Arts Watch |date=2016}} By the age of eighteen, Brian moved to New Orleans to attend Loyola University.{{cite news |last1=Hirsch |first1=Masako |title=Brian Blade kicks off Loyola Jazz Fest |url=https://loyolamaroon.com/104583/uncategorized/brian-blade-kicks-off-loyola-jazz-fest/ |access-date=26 January 2024 |work=The Maroon |agency=Loyola Student Media |issue=March 11 |date=2009}} From 1988 through 1993, he studied and played with most of the master musicians living in New Orleans, including Johnny Vidacovich, Ellis Marsalis, Steve Masakowski, Bill Huntington, Mike Pellera, John Mahoney, George French, Germaine Bazzle, David Lee Jr., Alvin Red Tyler, Tony Dagradi and Harold Battiste.

Career

In 1992 Blade settled in New York and quickly cultivated a reputation as a 'first-call' drummer,{{cite news |last1=Scheinin |first1=Richard |title=Brian Blade & Life Cycles: Uncorking The Spirit of Bobby Hutcherson |url=https://www.sfjazz.org/onthecorner/brian-blade |access-date=4 February 2024 |work=SFJazz |issue=September 3rd |publisher=San Francisco Jazz Organization |date=2019}} including sideman work for Kenny Garrett, Mark Turner, and Joshua Redman.{{cite web |title=Brian Blade Biography |url=https://www.bluenote.com/artist/brian-blade/ |website=Blue Note Records |access-date=4 February 2024}}{{cite news |last1=Kopp |first1=Ed |title=Mark Turner: In This World |url=https://www.allaboutjazz.com/in-this-world-mark-turner-warner-bros-review-by-ed-kopp |access-date=4 February 2024 |work=AllAboutJazz |issue=December 01 |publisher=All About Jazz & Jazz Near You. |date=1998}} In 1997, Blade formed The Fellowship Band with pianist Jon Cowherd, bassist Chris Thomas, saxophonists Myron Walden and Melvin Butler, guitarist Jeff Parker, and pedal steel guitarist Dave Easley.{{cite news |last1=Solomon |first1=Jon |title=Brian Blade on the history of the Fellowship Band and working with Daniel Lanois |url=https://www.westword.com/music/brian-blade-on-the-history-of-the-fellowship-band-and-working-with-daniel-lanois-5719483 |access-date=4 February 2024 |work=Westword |issue=September 09 |publisher=Denver Westword, LLC. |date=2011}} The band released its debut album in 1998, Brian Blade Fellowship, and emerged as an innovative proponent of new jazz throughout subsequent decades.{{cite news |last1=Layman |first1=Will |title=Brian Blade and the Fellowship Band: Body and Shadow |url=https://www.popmatters.com/brian-blade-body-and-shadow-2508154968.html |access-date=4 February 2024 |work=PopMatters |issue=10 November |publisher=PopMatters Media, Inc. |date=2017}}{{cite news |last1=Chinen |first1=Nate |title=Brian Blade the bandleader returns for a ride down 'Kings Highway' |url=https://www.npr.org/2023/07/13/1187053366/brian-blade-the-fellowship-band-kings-highway |access-date=4 February 2024 |work=N.P.R. |issue=July 13 |publisher=N.P.R |date=2023}}

Reviewing the ensemble's 2014 Landmarks album, John Kelman wrote:

As the Fellowship Band has grown, it has moved away from overt traditional references, even though they're an undercurrent throughout. Instead, as it explores milestones both inner and outer, Landmarks further speaks with the singular voice that the Fellowship Band has built upon since inception. Blending folkloric references, hints of church and spiritual concerns, jazz modality and countrified touchstones, Landmarks is the perfect name for Brian Blade & The Fellowship Band's fourth album; beyond its meaning to the group, it truly is yet another landmark recording in the core quintet's evolutionary travels. It may have come after a long gap in time, but that only makes it a wait all the more worthwhile.{{cite web|url=http://www.allaboutjazz.com/brian-blade-and-the-fellowship-band-landmarks-by-john-kelman.php |title=Brian Blade & The Fellowship Band: Landmarks |author=Kelman, John |work=Allaboutjazz.com |date=April 9, 2014 |access-date=April 14, 2015}}

While continuing his work with the Fellowship Band, Blade emerged as an ongoing member of Wayne Shorter's quartet, working with Shorter from 2000 until his death. Shorter's quartet, also featuring Danilo Pérez and John Patitucci,{{Cite web |url=https://www.revistapanorama.com/en/brian-blade-i-dont-want-to-be-a-rhythm-without-a-story/ |title=Brian Blade "I don't want to be a rhythm without a story" – Panorama Magazine |access-date=January 10, 2022 |archive-date=January 10, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220110153542/https://www.revistapanorama.com/en/brian-blade-i-dont-want-to-be-a-rhythm-without-a-story/ |url-status=dead }} became widely revered by jazz critics for their "near-telepathic" musical symbiosis. Blade's creative contribution to Shorter's quartet was frequently considered a key component of the group's creativity.{{cite news |last1=Sinnenberg |first1=Jackson |title=Brian Blade on his Fellowship Band at 20, and 'being led by what the music wants' |url=https://www.capitalbop.com/brian-blade-on-his-fellowship-band-at-20-and-being-led-by-what-the-music-wants/ |access-date=7 February 2024 |work=CapitalBop |issue=10 November |publisher=CapitalBop, Inc |date=2017}}{{cite news |last1=Flynn |first1=Mike |title=Wayne Shorter Quartet whip up a storm at Barbican |url=https://www.jazzwise.com/news/article/wayne-shorter-quartet-whip-up-a-storm-at-barbican |access-date=7 February 2024 |work=Jazzwise |issue=21 November |publisher=MA Music, Leisure & Travel Ltd |date=2016}}{{cite news |last1=Micallef |first1=Ken |title=Brian Blade: Always Be Reacting |url=https://www.moderndrummer.com/2008/05/brian-blade/ |access-date=7 February 2024 |work=Modern Drummer |issue=20 May |publisher=Modern Drummer Publications. |date=2008}} In addition to his collaborations with Wayne Shorter, Blade has remained an in demand drummer for the likes of Joshua Redman, Brad Mehldau, Christian McBride, Chick Corea, Wolfgang Muthspiel, Joni Mitchell, Ellis Marsalis Jr., Billy Childs, Herbie Hancock, Norah Jones, among many others.{{cite web |title=Brian Blade - Discography |url=https://www.brianblade.com/discography |website=Brian Blade |publisher=www.brianblade.com/ |access-date=8 February 2024}}

During his career Blade has often performed outside his usual musical idiom, recording with the likes of Marianne Faithfull, Emmylou Harris, Bob Dylan, and Daniel Lanois.{{cite news |last1=Hart |first1=Ron |title=Brian Blade: A Landmark Year |url=https://jambands.com/features/2014/11/29/brian-blade-a-landmark-year/ |access-date=8 February 2024 |work=Jambands.com |issue=29/11 |publisher=Relix Media Group, LLC |date=2014}} In 2009, Blade released Mama Rosa, his first album as a singer-songwriter,{{cite news |last1=Kelman |first1=John |title=Brian Blade: Mama Rosa |url=https://www.allaboutjazz.com/mama-rosa-brian-blade-verve-music-group-review-by-john-kelman |access-date=8 February 2024 |work=AllAboutJazz |issue=April 21 |publisher=All About Jazz & Jazz Near You |date=2009}} with songs dedicated to his grandmother and family.{{cite web|last=Jurek |first=Thom |url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/mama-rosa-r1490857 |title=Allmusic review – Mama Rosa |publisher=Allmusic.com |date=April 21, 2009 |access-date=October 6, 2011}} The live band includes Steven Nistor on drums.{{cite web |url=http://www.moderndrummer.com/site/2012/01/february-2012-issue-of-modern-drummer/#.VGPivIdu6VI|title=February 2012 Issue of Modern Drummer|website=Moderndrummer.com|date=January 3, 2012|access-date=November 12, 2014}}

On April 30, 2016, Blade played at the White House in Washington, D.C., as part of The International Jazz Day Global Concert.{{cite web|url=http://jazzday.com/concert/|title=International Jazz Day|publisher=jazzday.com|access-date=October 25, 2016}}

Honors

  • 2013: ECHO Jazz Award "International Artist of the Year Drums/Percussion", for Quiver.{{cite web |url=http://www.londonjazznews.com/2013/04/news-german-echo-jazz-2013-winners.html |title=German ECHO JAZZ 2013 Winners Announced |work=Londonj Jazz News |access-date=September 6, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005145836/http://www.londonjazznews.com/2013/04/news-german-echo-jazz-2013-winners.html |archive-date=October 5, 2013 |url-status=dead }}
  • 2013: Grammy Award for Best Jazz Instrumental Album for Trilogy (Concord), with Chick Corea.{{cite web |title=Chick Corea Wins Best Improvised Jazz Solo & Best Jazz Instrumental Album {{!}} 2021 GRAMMY Awards Show {{!}} GRAMMY.com |url=https://www.grammy.com/news/chick-corea-wins-best-improvised-jazz-solo-best-jazz-instrumental-album-2021 |website=www.grammy.com |access-date=6 January 2024}}

Equipment

Blade uses vintage Gretsch, Ludwig, Sonor and Slingerland drums. He plays Canopus drums when touring in Japan. He has used a variety of cymbals over the years, including multiple ride cymbals made by Roberto Spizzichino, vintage A Zildjians, and often a 22" Zildjian K Constantinople Light Ride (discontinued model). His acoustic guitar is a mid-1950s Gibson LG-3.{{cite web | url=http://www.jazzapparatus.com/brian-blade-drums/ | title=Brian Blade's Drum Gear | date=March 31, 2016 }}

Discography

=As leader=

= As co-leader =

Trio with Wolfgang Muthspiel and Marc Johnson

  • Real Book Stories (Quinton, 2001)
  • Air, Love, and Vitamins (Quinton, 2004)

Duo with Wolfgang Muthspiel

  • Friendly Travelers (Material, 2007)
  • Friendly Travelers Live (Material, 2008)

Trio with Chick Corea and Christian McBride

Trio with John Patitucci and André Marques

  • Viva Hermeto (Borandá, 2014)

Trio with John Patitucci and Danilo Pérez

Trio with Benjamin Koppel and Scott Colley

  • Collective (ArtistShare, 2014)
  • Perspective (Cowbell Music, 2023){{cite web | url=https://bigtakeover.com/recordings/koppel-colley-blade-perspective-cowbell | title=Koppel Colley Blade - Perspective (Cowbell) }}

Trio with Edward Simon and Scott Colley

  • Steel House (ArtistShare, 2015)
  • Three Visitors (GroundUP Music, 2024)

Trio with Jeff Denson and Romain Pilon

  • Between Two Worlds (Ridgeway, 2019)
  • Finding Light (Ridgeway, 2022)

Quartet with Joshua Redman, Brad Mehldau and Christian McBride

Trio with Wolfgang Muthspiel and Scott Colley

  • Angular Blues (ECM, 2020)

= As group =

Yaya3

with Joshua Redman and Sam Yahel

  • Yaya3 (Loma, 2002)

SFJAZZ Collective

  • SFJazz Collective (Nonesuch, 2005) – recorded in 2004

Black Dub

with Trixie Whitley, Daniel Lanois and Daryl Johnson

= As sideman =

{{col-begin}}

{{col-2}}

With David Binney

  • 2000: Afinidad with Edward Simon (Red, 2005)
  • 2000: South (ACT, 2001)
  • 2004?: Welcome to Life (Mythology, 2004)
  • 2004: Océanos with Edward Simon (Criss Cross, 2007)
  • 2008: Third Occasion (Mythology, 2009)
  • 2010?: Graylen Epicenter (Mythology, 2011)

With Billy Childs

  • Lyric: Jazz Chamber Music, Vol 1 (Artistshare, 2005)
  • Autumn: In Moving Pictures: Jazz Chamber Music, Vol 2 (Artistshare, 2010)

With Kenny Garrett

With Darrell Grant

  • 1993: Black Art (Criss Cross, 1994)
  • 1994: The New Bop (Criss Cross, 1995)
  • Smokin' Java (Lair Hill, 1999)
  • Truth and Reconciliation (Origin, 2007)[2CD]

With Norah Jones

With Kiyoshi Kitagawa

  • 2003: Ancestry (Atelier Sawano, 2004)
  • 2005: Prayer (Atelier Sawano, 2005)
  • 2005: Live at Tsutenkaku (Atelier Sawano, 2006)[DVD-Video] – live

With Daniel Lanois

With Ron Miles

With Joni Mitchell

With Wolfgang Muthspiel

  • 2001: Real Book Stories (Quinton, 2001)
  • 2013: Driftwood (ECM, 2014)
  • 2016: Rising Grace (ECM, 2016)
  • 2018: Angular Blues (ECM, 2020)

With John Patitucci

  • Communion (Concord, 2001)
  • Songs, Stories & Spirituals (Concord, 2003)
  • Line by Line (JVC Victor/Concord, 2006)
  • Remembrance (Concord, 2009)
  • Viva Hermeto! (Borandá, 2014){{cite web|url=http://www.boranda.com.br/andremarques |title=André Marques |website=Boranda.com.br |access-date=2017-07-21}}
  • Brooklyn (Three Faces, 2015)

With Joshua Redman

With Wayne Shorter

With Edward Simon

  • 2000: Afinidad with David Binney (Red, 2001)
  • 2006: Unicity (CAM Jazz, 2006)
  • 2008: Poesia (Cam Jazz, 2009)
  • 2010: Trio Live in New York (Sunnyside, 2013) – live
  • 2017: Sorrows & Triumphs (Sunnyside, 2018)

With Mark Turner

  • 1995: Mark Turner (Warner Bros., 1998)
  • 1998: In This World (Warner Bros., 1998)
  • 1999: Ballad Session (Warner Bros., 2000)

With Kenny Werner

  • Democracy (Half Note, 2006) – live
  • Lawn Chair Society (Blue Note, 2007)

{{col-2}}

With others

{{col-end}}

References

{{Reflist}}