Black Rock

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.