Brian Blade & Mama Rosa at Yoshi's Oakland

Brian Blade has been touring the world non-stop for over 20 years as one of the most in-demand drummers. His playing can be heard on recordings from Bob Dylan, Emmylou Harris, Daniel Lanois, Norah Jones, Joni Mitchell, Wayne Shorter, Joshua Redman, Seal, and countless others. No matter the musical style, Brian has a gift that shines through.

It is a little known fact that Brian has also been towing guitars around the globe as well as his drumsticks. In the solitude of his hotel room Brian has been nurturing his own songs inspired by family, loved ones, travels and the sense that our experiences have to be shared with others to complete the circle. Clearly his active role as a supporting drummer has also been one as an active listener and observer....

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Brian Blade has been touring the world non-stop for over 20 years as one of the most in-demand drummers. His playing can be heard on recordings from Bob Dylan, Emmylou Harris, Daniel Lanois, Norah Jones, Joni Mitchell, Wayne Shorter, Joshua Redman, Seal, and countless others. No matter the musical style, Brian has a gift that shines through.

It is a little known fact that Brian has also been towing guitars around the globe as well as his drumsticks. In the solitude of his hotel room Brian has been nurturing his own songs inspired by family, loved ones, travels and the sense that our experiences have to be shared with others to complete the circle. Clearly his active role as a supporting drummer has also been one as an active listener and observer.

Brian Blade’s “Mama Rosa” was released on Verve and accolades have poured in. His singing is strong and soulful, and the band clearly has influence from Joni Mitchell, Leonard Cohen, Blind Willie Johnson, and the deepest of roots in Brian’s sprit, the Zion Baptist Church in Shreveport, MS.

Brian has been praised for “being in the moment”, and for interpreting music with unparalleled sensitivity. “Mama Rosa” is simply an extension of Brian’s heartfelt and humble love of music.

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