Brian Blade

Brian Blade (born 1970 in Shreveport, Louisiana) is an American jazz drummer and composer.

Blade made his first appearances as a sideman with pianist Brad Mehldau and

Brian Blade (born 1970 in Shreveport, Louisiana) is an American jazz drummer and composer.

Blade made his first appearances as a sideman with pianist Brad Mehldau and Joshua Redman and continued to work as a sideman with other musicians commonly known as "young lions." As a leader, he has released two albums under the Brian Blade Fellowship with a distinct country music feel, due in part to Blade's being one the few jazz bandleaders to prominently feature pedal steel guitar. (Another jazz drummer/composer, Bobby Previte, has also featured pedal steel occasionally.)