[9] From 1988 through 1993, he studied and played with most of the master musicians living in New Orleans, including Johnny Vidacovich, Ellis Marsalis, Steve Masakowski, Bill Huntington, Mike Pellera, John Mahoney, George French, Germaine Bazzle, David Lee Jr., Alvin Red Tyler, Tony Dagradi and Harold Battiste.

[7][5] In 1992 Blade settled in New York and quickly cultivated a reputation as a 'first-call' drummer,[10] including sideman work for Kenny Garrett, Mark Turner, and Joshua Redman.

[14][15] Reviewing the ensemble's 2014 Landmarks album, John Kelman wrote: As the Fellowship Band has grown, it has moved away from overt traditional references, even though they're an undercurrent throughout.

[18][19][20] In addition to his collaborations with Wayne Shorter, Blade has remained an in demand drummer for the likes of Joshua Redman, Brad Mehldau, Christian McBride, Chick Corea, Wolfgang Muthspiel, Joni Mitchell, Ellis Marsalis Jr., Billy Childs, Herbie Hancock, Norah Jones, among many others.

[21] During his career Blade has often performed outside his usual musical idiom, recording with the likes of Marianne Faithfull, Emmylou Harris, Bob Dylan, and Daniel Lanois.