4x-GRAMMY® Award-Winner & 10x-GRAMMY® Award Nominated Drummer, Composer & Bandleader BRIAN BLADE is easily one of the most versatile and soulful musicians in jazz. In addition to The Fellowship Band, since 2000 Blade was a member of jazz legend Wayne Shorter's quartet. Blade grew up listening to Shorter's albums, and started playing with Shorter at 30 years old. Brian Blade & The Fellowship Band celebrate their 25th anniversary at Jimmy's Jazz & Blues Club. Formed in 1997, Brian Blade & The Fellowship Band released their eponymous Blue Note debut in 1998, but the bond among the musicians goes back even further. Brian Blade, the band's namesake and drummer, first met pianist Jon Cowherd in 1988 while attending Loyola University. The Fellowship Band includes: Jon Cowherd (Piano); Myron Walden (Alto Sax/Bass Clarinet); Melvin Butler (Tenor Sax); Chris Thomas (Bass). "It's a profoundly important band, and Blade is widely acknowledged as one of the top drummers in jazz." - DOWN