Brian Blade is considered by many to be one of the best jazz drummers on the scene today. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia.org
In the last several years, Brian Blade has risen to prominence as one of the foremost jazz drummers in the music industry. He’s gained that popularity by being a versatile and unique drummer, knowing how to blend with a variety of groups and music styles. He’s played with some of the best jazz musicians in the world including Joshua Redman, Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Chick Corea, Christian McBride, and John Pattituci, just to name a few. He even joined Joni Mitchell’s group and toured with her band. Brian has had an extensive music career and is a great model drummer for anyone interested in jazz drumming. I hope you enjoy a few of the performances I found to share with you.
Brian got his first break as a part of the Joshua Redman group. Here’s a bass solo from Christian McBride and a brush solo from Brian Blade that is guaranteed to impress. Check it out at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KU7mcNF1jCU.
I came across an interview with Brian after one of his performances in which he talks a little bit about his style and how he reacts to the musicians he has been playing with. Enjoy it here at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kxEceHcQdk0.
One of the breakthroughs in his rise to stardom was being a part of Wayne Shorter’s quartet. Enjoy the group’s rendition of Shorter’s original piece, “Footprints,” at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCyGBNKlrPI.
Lastly, Brian went on tour with Joni Mitchell later on in her career and offered a solid bottom end to her rhythm section. Hear the band’s groovy rendition of “Black Crow,” at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ex2JmqMjBsc.
Brian Blade is considered by many to be one of the best jazz drummers on the scene today and rightfully so. I hope you enjoyed hearing from him and a few of the groups he has performed with over the years. There’s more coming your way at Play Drums By Ear so stay tuned.
Thanks,
Chris
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