Rufus Reid

We just discovered this video taken during
the recording of the Evolving Bassist DVD.
Check it, and hopefully it will make you smile!

What's Up With The EVOLVING BASSIST?

I have just had the most incredible experience at Florida State University in Tallahassee. It is an amazing school with a wonderful jazz program anchored by excellent musician/teachers. I spent several happy days there as the Housewright Scholar, teaching and working with their students. The concert to a full hall was a joy.

Earlier in January, I had the pleasure of performing with Curtis Fuller. He does not change. His personality and playing continues to bring smiles.

I've been very very busy this fall and the last major event was a recording with Ted Nash for Palmetto Records. It was my first time of recording with Ted and Frank Kimbrough on piano. Matt Wilson and I have performed before and I believe this is our third recording together, having recorded with vocalist Madeline Eastman, live at The Bach Dancing and Jazz Society in Half Moon Bay, California. The Ted Nash recording is dedicated to the music of composer Henry Mancini. We had a lot of fun putting a jazz stamp on this great music.

Check out a new web site JazzDoubleBassist.com. They are doing some wonderful video work. You will find an in depth interview recorded when I was in Ireland this past August.

I have had a very different, totally delightful experience at the New York City Center. I performed a piece composed by Saxophonist Jane Ira Bloom and dance extraordinaire Carmen De Lavallade. The pianist was Dawn Clement and Jerry Granelli, the percussionist/ drummer, playing "The Fifth Wheel," a seven minute piece titled for quartet and dancer. I was center stage and all the musicians were on stage creating this simple but complex presentation. The quartet was intertwined in the choreography of the dance. Jane was the pivotal character in the dance, although we were all given a solo slot with Carmen. It was thrilling. I hope you will take the time to see the photo on my photo page.

The Sligo Jazz Project was a huge success this year with one hundred participants! Faculty came from Ireland, Italy, France, Australia, Switzerland and the US. The concerts during this week pulled their audiences from all over Ireland. I, myself, had the great opportunity to perform with the magnificent Irish jazz icon by the name of Louis Stewart. If you are unsure who this is, ask Gene Bertoncini! I finally had the opportunity to perform with a British wonderful vocalist, Norma Winston, which was a pure delight. Chicago based drummer, Paul Wertico, also a guest artist,was full of energy and full to play with. At the end of the week long workshop the participants performed in their specific groups and it was an exceptional afternoon of music. I think the presenters and all of the sponsors were very pleased at the outcome of this year's event.

MAY 29 Motema Music released a CD/DVD package set, The Rufus Reid Quintet "Live At The Kennedy Center." This is my newest recording in four years, and I am extremely happy about the music and this marvelous production. The members of this stellar ensemble are Rich Perry, saxophone; Freddie Hendrix, trumpet and flugelhorn; Tim Horner, drums and Sumi Tonoona, piano. There is a bonus track on the DVD and a 30 minute session with me. I'm proud to say that what you hear is what happened that night. This was recorded live with no digital editing on any kind. In a addition, through this month, there will be an NPR broadcast of JazzSet with Dee Dee Bridgewater.