For more than two decades, legendary drummer Brian Blade was one of four members of Wayne Shorter’s final quartet. Until Shorter’s death in March 2023, Blade was a decisive factor behind the quartet’s almost telepathic playing.
Parallel to Shorter, Brian Blade had his own band, The fellowship band, which he started in 1997 together with pianist Jon Cowherd. Cowherd whom Brian met already at the age of 18 when he moved to New Orleans to study at Loyola University.
In New Orleans, Brian and Jon were able to play and study with the city’s many master musicians; John Vidacovich, Ellis Marsalis, Steve Masakowski, Bill Huntington, Mike Pellera, John Mahoney, George French, Germaine Bazzle, David Lee, Jr., Alvin Red Tyler, Tony Dagradi and Harold Battiste.
When the drummer from Shreveport, Louisiana arrived in New York in 1992, reputation had preceded him and Blade quickly began collaborations with some of the city’s hottest young tenors, Kenny Garrett, Mark Turner and Joshua Redman.
In New York, Brian started The Fellowship Band with his wingman Cowherd. Other members include bassist Chris Thomas, saxophonists Myron Walden and Melvin Butler, guitarist Jeff Parker and pedal steel guitarist Dave Easley.
Drummer Blade a rhythm poet who bends rooms and plays both rock hard and velvety smooth with a tone that mixes chamber quartet with punk and Americana. The drummer who collaborated with Emmylou Harris, Joni Mitchell and Bob Dylan.
Now Blade comes to Fasching with his The Fellowship Band and the seventh album Kings Highway in the luggage. Guitarist Kurt Rosenwinkel has now replaced the original lineup’s Jeff Parker.
Brian Blade, drums
Jon Cowherd, piano
Melvin Butler, tenor and soprano sax
Myron Walden, alto sax and bass clarinet
Kurt Rosenwinkel, guitar
Roland Guerin, bass
