Brian Blade

[sidereal]

I can't think of any drummer right now who's got a hotter career than Mr. Blade. He's producer Daniel Lanois' man of choice, he did the Nora Jones CD, did a tour not to long ago with Herbie Hancock, and he's on Dave Matthews' upcoming solo CD.

He seems like an unlikely guy for all this attention. I mean, he's phenominal. I was lucky enough to watch him from backstage (hiding behind the curtains at stage-left) at the Hancock show in Berkely. He's an incredible texturalist... completely blew my mind. But he's so out there. It's great to see someone with so much individual style getting gigs in the mainstream.

I hope it doesn't change him. Maybe if it keeps going, we'll see some interesting drumming on the radio waves for a change.

And yes... I'm completely jealous of his talent as well as his career.

[563]

Hes one of the few more mainstream guys im digging these days. Im with you, I hope he gets to keep his voice in all these projects. Its a fine line. You get hired to back someone, hopefully you are hired because of your voice and youre encouraged to keep it. Matt Chamberlains been lucky that way. Id assume Blade will be as well.

[Dazzler]

His playing is truly amazing. I love the stuff he did with Joshua Redman aswell. Talking of young lions (!) I saw Clarence Penn with Dave Douglas at the North Sea Jazz festival at the weekend. Don't know if you his playing, but he's really dynamic and very creative. He's played with (trumpeter) Nicolas Payton and Michael Brecker. I also caught Joey Baron with Lee Konitz, now he really is the most amazing player and a true legend. When he solos on the form of a standard, you can always hear the tune very clearly. He's SO musical and one of the master drummers of our generation.

[Jean-Paul]

I saw a broadcast of Seal in the Hard Rock Caf? with Brian Blade and Tony Levin. WOW that was some of the grooviest shit with so much driving power that the whole band kicked major ass. If you find the CD's a bit mellow (although Andy Newmark is great) but you dig Seal try to find a copy of this concert. Also Brian Blade with Joni Mitchell is great. I haven't seen the DVD yet of Joni's live performance with Brian Blade but I assume it's a killer.

Also saw a Ricky Lee Jones DVD with Ed Mann in the shop. Has anyone seen this DVD?

[Dazzler]

I didn't know that Brian Blade played with Seal JP. Nice!! Seals' debut album is fantastic, great drumming by (UK drummer) Ian Thomas too. Especially the the track Show me [img]smile.gif[/img]

[matricks]

Brian Blade is SOOOOO hip!!! I love that guys' playing. If there is anyone to check out who is going to be a great "up and comming" guy i think it is him. He is so underated. He has the deepest pocket and when he swings, GOD! He can move the earth with his ride cymbal and sink Mike Portnoy's whole set with his press roll! He came through Seattle a few months ago and in one week i saw him with Joshua Redman AND with Wayne Shorter (who had John Patitucci, Danilo Perez also in the band). Brian is so hip, i can't say it enough. On the Joshua Redman "Spirit of the Moment" live CD, man, the 8's he trades on St. Thomas are just smokin'... he truly lives IN the music. Love that guy!

[SingleStrk]

Have you guys checked out the Brian Blade Fellowship CD's? They are truly great. Kick ass drumming but above all great music. At least I think so.

[Mark of Cenla]

I too am a fan of Brian Blade. I have a few CD's that he drums on. I also recorded him playing with Joshua Redmon (Sessions at West 54th) on PBS a while back. Peace.