TRANSCRIPT:
I’m Mark Rapp, and this is Rapp On Jazz.
James “Blood” Ulmer was born in St. Matthews, South Carolina, and is a visionary guitarist known for his daring blend of avant-garde jazz, blues, and free improvisation. His nickname, “Blood,” comes from his stinging, cutting guitar style—raw, electric, and impossible to ignore.
Ulmer’s playing defies easy categorization, fusing soulful blues lines with unconventional harmonies and rhythmic invention that push jazz into new territory. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with innovators like Ornette Coleman, developing a signature sound that balances intensity with lyricism.
As a South Carolina native, he embodies the state’s ongoing contribution to bold, boundary-pushing artistry.
This has been Rapp On Jazz, a co-production of ColaJazz and SC Public Radio, made possible by Layman Publishing Partners, celebrating 50 years of expert content creation, authoritative information management, and standards-driven print and digital production.