Ed Blackwell (1929-1992)
I heard Ed Blackwell at the Blackstone Hotel, Jazz Showcase in Chicago. I was there for the Summer NAMM. For several years NAMM held the normal winter show in Anaheim, but the summer show moved city to city. For several years it was in Chicago, at McCormack Place Convention Center. I loved going to Chicago.
Ed Blackwell was part of the group featuring David Murray. John Hicks played piano. I don’t remember the bass player.
It was great to hear Ed Blackwell in person. I was familiar with his playing in Ornette Coleman’s bands. I’m more familiar with his playing in 2023.
Ed Blackwell is another great drummer from New Orleans. The second line parade music of New Orleans can be heard in his playing. That brought an interesting rhythm to Ornette’s music and group sound. Ed Blackwell replaced Billy Higgins in Ornette’s band.
When I saw Ed at the Blackstone, he was having kidney problems, connected to a portable machine.
It’s difficult to have a unique voice on an instrument.
Ed Blackwell had his. I could list many attributes to Ed Blackwell’s unique style. One thing, is his Tom Tom and snare drum cadence, March style of 4/4 time. Always playing a forward momentum of pulse.
That was a difference between him and Billy Higgins. I’ve actually realized that, after discovering the Ornette period with Ronald Shannon Jackson and Jamaaladeen Tacuma. That ensemble, with the electric version, seems to be influenced by Ed’s rhythmic pulse, (imo)
Ed Blackwells tuning and touch are perfect. His interplay with bassist Charlie Haden is rhythmic beauty.