In the Name of... cover

In the Name of...

James Blood Ulmer · 1994

59 min · 7 tracks · blues

Eclectic fusion of blues and jazz, driven by Ulmer's innovative guitar work and a deep spiritual undercurrent.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    In Time — This opening track encapsulates the album's spiritual essence, featuring intricate guitar solos that reflect Ulmer's unique approach to jazz improvisation.
  • →
    Non‐Believer — This track stands out with its haunting melodies and complex rhythms, embodying Ulmer's introspective lyrics that delve into themes of faith and doubt.
  • →
    Mankind — With its mix of powerful vocals and dynamic instrumentation, this track serves as a commentary on societal issues, showcasing Ulmer's ability to merge music with meaningful messages.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • deep emotional guitar explorations
  • patient unfolding of complex rhythms
  • soulful vocals for reflective moments
  • immersive listening for late nights

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking instant gratification
  • prefer short, standalone tracks

Where this album fits

Career context
By the time 'In the Name of...' was released in 1994, James Blood Ulmer had established himself as a distinctive voice in jazz and blues. This album followed his acclaimed works during the 1980s and marked his continued exploration of avant-garde expressions within these genres, particularly blending traditional forms with personal themes.
Stylistic neighbors
Ornette Coleman· Sonny Sharrock· Albert Ayler

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Non‐Believer

    The verse shifts between questioning faith and confronting existential doubts, creating a poignant tension throughout the song.

    This structural choice reinforces the internal struggle depicted in the lyrics, emphasizing the conflict between belief and skepticism.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 In Time 8:10
  • 2 Non‐Believer 10:38
  • 3 The Dawn 8:09
  • 4 Mankind 9:28
  • 5 Help 8:37
  • 6 Abundance 6:13
  • 7 Purity 7:49

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata