1. Open House
2. Black Rock
3. Moonbeam
4. Family Affair
5. More Blood
6. Love Have Two Faces
7. Overnight
8. Fun House
9. We Bop
If you are not familiar with James Blood Ulmer, you are certainly missing an important artist in
your collection. This particular album is probably his best work. With Calvin Weston as one of two
drummers, the music drives forward at a frenetic pace, while Ulmer dives in and out with short
riffs. Irene Datcher, who sings on a few of the cuts with the gravel voiced Ulmer, has the vocal
power to rise above the busy music and is a real stand out. Most impressive is the flying bass of
Amin Ali! This album is not for the faint of heart. Ulmer’s melding of harmonic-melodic Jazz (a
la Coleman) rocks and takes some listening effort. The listener should relax and focus on James’
guitar as the rest of the band comes to you like a steamroller. |
