Biography
Brian Blade & The Fellowship Band is a critically acclaimed jazz group founded in 1997 by drummer and composer Brian Blade and pianist Jon Cowherd. Blade, born in 1970 in Shreveport, Louisiana, was immersed in gospel and church music from an early age, influenced by his family's deep involvement in the Zion Baptist Church. After initially studying violin and singing in the choir, Blade shifted his focus to drums, developing his skills under the mentorship of local musicians and his older brother. His move to New Orleans in 1988 to attend Loyola University exposed him to a vibrant jazz scene and a host of master musicians, laying the groundwork for his future collaborations and musical direction.[1][2][4]
The Fellowship Band emerged from Blade's partnership with Cowherd, whom he met during his university years. The group quickly established a reputation for blending jazz with elements of gospel, folk, and Americana, creating a sound marked by lyricism, spiritual undertones, and dynamic interplay. The original lineup included saxophonists Myron Walden and Melvin Butler, bassist Chris Thomas, guitarist Jeff Parker (later replaced by Kurt Rosenwinkel), and pedal steel guitarist Dave Easley. Their debut album, 'Brian Blade Fellowship' (1998), set the tone for a discography that now spans seven albums, including 'Perceptual' (2000), 'Season of Changes' (2008), 'Landmarks' (2014), 'Body and Shadow' (2017), 'Live from the Archives' (2022), and 'Kings Highway' (2023).[3][5][6]
The band is celebrated for its ability to transcend traditional jazz boundaries, incorporating influences from Blade's church upbringing, the New Orleans jazz tradition, and the singer-songwriter ethos of artists like Joni Mitchell. Over more than two decades, The Fellowship Band has become one of the most distinctive and enduring ensembles in contemporary jazz, known for its communal spirit, innovative compositions, and the deep musical connections among its members.[8][4]
Fun Facts
- The band's name, 'Fellowship,' was chosen to reflect the communal and spiritual inspiration Blade experienced growing up in the church.[7]
- Brian Blade initially studied violin and sang in the church choir before focusing on drums.[1]
- The Fellowship Band is considered one of the most distinctive and long-running jazz bands of the 21st century.[8]
- Blade has also played with major artists outside of jazz, including Bob Dylan and Steve Earle.[2][4]
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Dorsey Summerfield Jr. - High school teacher who introduced Blade to jazz greats and inspired his early development. (N/A) [mid-1980s]
- Johnny Vidacovich - Drum instructor and mentor during Blade's time in New Orleans. (N/A) [late 1980s–early 1990s]
- Ellis Marsalis - Jazz pianist and educator who influenced Blade during his studies in New Orleans. (N/A) [late 1980s–early 1990s]
Key Collaborators
- Jon Cowherd - Co-founder, pianist, and composer in The Fellowship Band. (All Fellowship Band albums) [1997–present]
- Myron Walden - Saxophonist and original band member. (All Fellowship Band albums) [1997–present]
- Melvin Butler - Saxophonist and original band member. (All Fellowship Band albums) [1997–present]
- Chris Thomas - Bassist and original band member. (All Fellowship Band albums) [1997–present]
- Jeff Parker - Original guitarist in the band. (Early Fellowship Band albums) [1997–early 2000s]
- Kurt Rosenwinkel - Guitarist who replaced Jeff Parker. (Recent Fellowship Band albums) [2010s–present]
- Wayne Shorter - Blade was the drummer in Shorter's quartet, parallel to his work with the Fellowship Band. (Wayne Shorter Quartet albums and tours) [2000s–2023]
- Joni Mitchell - Blade contributed drums to her recordings. (Various Joni Mitchell albums) [1990s–2000s]
- Emmylou Harris - Blade played drums on her recordings. (Various Emmylou Harris albums) [1990s–2000s]
Artists Influenced
- Younger contemporary jazz drummers - Blade's approach to blending jazz, gospel, and folk has inspired a generation of drummers. (N/A) [2000s–present]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Landmarks | 2014-01-01 | Album |
| Body And Shadow | 2017-11-10 | Album |
| Season of Changes | 2022-09-02 | Album |
| Kings Highway | 2023-07-07 | Album |
| live from the archives * BOOTLEG JUNE 15, 2000 | 2022-10-14 | Album |
| live from the archives * BOOTLEG JUNE 15, 2000 | 2022-10-14 | Album |
| Season of Changes | 2022-09-02 | Album |
| Body And Shadow | 2017-11-10 | Album |
| Landmarks | 2014-01-01 | Album |
| Season Of Changes | 2008-01-01 | Album |
| Season Of Changes | 2008-01-01 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Stoner Hill (Season of Changes)
- Embers (Landmarks)
- Within Everything (Body And Shadow)
- Traveling Mercies (Body And Shadow)
- Landmarks (Landmarks)
- Bonnie Be Good (Landmarks)
- God Be With You (Kings Highway)
- Broken Leg Days (Body And Shadow)
- Body and Shadow - Night (Body And Shadow)
- Friends Call Her Dot (Landmarks)
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
Brian Blade & The Fellowship Ban has been played 2 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 1, 2026 | 17:37 | Red River Revelfrom Brian Blade Fellowship | Jazz from Jax Breweryw/ Keith Hill | |
| Oct 9, 2025 | 16:38 | He Died Fightingfrom Landmarks | Jazz from Jax Breweryw/ Keith Hill |