James Blood Ulmer

Bad Blood in the City

(Hyena Records, 2007)

Updating the blues is a task many take on. Ulmer continues encompassing many disciplines, but lands short of even some lesser Buddy Guy efforts. Bad Blood finds the guitarist and Vernon Reid, amongst others, moving past 2005’s Birthright and into a socially concerted effort. This album focuses on Katrina and what occurs in her wake. A number of covers, including “Grinnin’ In Your Face”, exemplify the bent of this recording, while incorporating fiddle and mandolin to give the disc a blues and country sound that’s absent from other Ulmer recordings. In a thorough listen, the album is vaguely rewarding based upon the players’ ability and endearing song selection. But the content gains meaning for those listeners willing to examine the material through multiple cultural and contextual lenses. Instead of doing all that though, just go get Tales of Captain Black and this album won’t matter.

William Parker

Luc’s Lantern

(Thirsty Ear Recordings, 2005)

Luc’s Lantern is an acoustic outing from a trio (piano, bass, drums) led by William Parker.  And if you miss bass solos as much as I do in music, you’ll be pleased.  For as long as I’ve been conscious of Thirsty Ear putting out new records, I have always expected music that tries to become something new.  On this release, that doesn’t really occur.  Without question this is a good acoustic jazz album with some elements of Free playing throughout.  Unfortunately, the music isn’t quite as experimental as previous offerings from the label that sports Anti-Pop Consortium, Pere Ubu and Spring Heeled Jack as label mates.  The latest from Parker and Thirsty Ear begins in the form of “Adena”, a generally laid back affair with a lengthily bass solo after the group goes into some free jazz soloing.  A little more chaotic is “Morning Sunset”, but the solid bluesy four-note phrase of Parker holds the group together when it sounds as if it may be getting out of control.  There’s some fast action on the bass with the drums becoming interlocked on the title track.  On “Luc’s Lantern”, you can hear the group preparing for a foray into the realm of playing free, keeping the hurried pace.  They get there.  The most enjoyable track, partially due to the title, is “Bud in Alphaville”.  Maybe my interest in the track is because I’ve never encountered such a specific Godard reference.  But either way, not a bad track.  The album comes to a close with “Candlesticks”, which seems like a good idea that has been cut all too short.  Parker and Thirsty Ear have put together a solid album, but previous ventures of both the player and the label have been more adventurous and probably more worth your time.