Brian Blade at the 2013 Jazz and Heritage Festival May 5, 2013. Photo HIGH ISO Music, LLC / Retna, Ltd.

Snug Harbor Hosts Special Engagement with Brian Blade and The Fellowship Band

Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro announced a very special one-night, two-show engagement with Brian Blade and The Fellowship Band on September 3, 2024. Brian Blade, a Shreveport, Louisiana native, is renowned for his versatility and exceptional talent as a drummer. He has made a significant impact on the jazz world, collaborating with legends like Joshua Redman, Kenny Garrett, and Bob Dylan. At the age of 27, Blade released his debut album, Brian Blade Fellowship, in 1998, followed by Perceptual in 2000—both on Blue Note Records.

The Fellowship Band, which originated from Blade’s meeting with pianist Jon Cowherd in 1988 at Loyola University in New Orleans, has released seven albums between 1998 and 2023. Their unique sound, a blend of jazz, gospel and folk music, has earned them widespread acclaim. NPR praised the group as “an all-star lineup that functions more like a harmonious congregation, ebbing and flowing as one … jazz-inflected, gospel-rooted music suffused with a glowing consonance.”

In addition to his work with The Fellowship Band, Blade is a sought-after sideman, composer, and collaborator, having worked with a diverse array of artists, including Joni Mitchell, Bill Frisell, Wayne Shorter, Chick Corea, Christian McBride, and Norah Jones. This year, Blade has been honored as the Artist-in-Residence at the Detroit Jazz Festival.

The September 3 performance at Snug Harbor is a rare opportunity to experience Brian Blade & The Fellowship Band in an intimate setting before they embark on a European tour. The lineup for this special engagement includes:

  • Jon Cowherd – piano
  • Myron Walden – alto saxophone and bass clarinet
  • Melvin Butler – soprano and tenor saxophone
  • Kurt Rosenwinkel – guitar
  • Roland Guerin – bass
  • Brian Blade – drums

Don’t miss this chance to witness one of the most influential jazz ensembles of the 21st century in the heart of New Orleans. Tickets are expected to sell quickly for this unforgettable evening of music.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro’s website.