The Evolving Bassist: What's New with RR

Skidmore Jazz Institute in July

Posted: July 21, 2014

I was invited to bring my Quintet to the Skidmore Jazz institute in July.  I decided to invite Tia Fuller, the magnificent alto player, to play with us.  It has been years since she has performed with my quintet. She really showed that she has been working hard during her time … Read More

Rufus talks about Francois Rabbath

Posted: July 11, 2014

Those of you who know me, know how much I love and revere Francois Rabbath.  Francois recently appeared at the McNally Smith College of Music in St. Paul, Minnesota.  You know that I was happy to talk about him when Pamela Espeland inquired if she could interview me for an … Read More

Milt Hinton Day

Posted: June 22, 2014

June 12 in Oberlin, Ohio at the Oberlin College & Conservatory, we honored the great bassist, Milt Hinton. This is the 1st Annual Milt Hinton Institute Workshop. All week long we interacted, coached and performed with 25+ young bassist. Congratulations to Oberlin College for acquiring Milt’s instruments, hundreds of photographs … Read More

Sunday, May 18, Allison Keyes on National Public Radio asked the question, “How Do You Wring Sound From Sculpture? It Takes A ‘Quiet Pride’” I have been getting numerous messages from around the country that people loved this NPR interview. I am extremely pleased with this very professional and informative … Read More

A PlayIN for Double Bass? Sounds like something I would like. I checked with Joseph Conyers and he said I could participate! So there I was, with 60 other participants of all ages at the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia, May 3. Can you see the stage? All those basses! What … Read More

So Many Thank You’s

Posted: April 18, 2014

This past month has been a tremendous time for me. I thank you all for your help making the release of the “Quiet Pride” CD a wonderful event. The April issue of JazzTimes has a beautiful article “Art To Art” by Giovanni Russonello and even a photo to remind us … Read More

It was fantastic. I hope you were there. These 20 outrageous musicians assembled and played like we had just played yesterday. The second set, we were flying! Both sets were sold out – to people who had no idea what to expect! This music is nothing like the Trio and … Read More

Quiet Pride CD Release Event

Posted: March 5, 2014

Come to The Jazz Standard, Wednesday, March 12, 2014. The Jazz Standard, 116 East 27th Street, New York City, NY 10015 Come hear this big band augmented with 2 French… Read More »

Birthday release of “Quiet Pride”

Posted: February 17, 2014

My 70th birthday was the best yet. “Quiet Pride – The Elizabeth Catlett Project” was released Feb 11, 2014. This project took two years to come together, but here it is, and I am totally blown away. Motema Music did a fabulous job with this project. Everyone worked hard, from … Read More

What fun! Playing with Dave always give me such pleasure, and always makes me throw down. Despite the weather, we arrived at Chris’ Jazz Cafe in Philly on Feb 8 ready to play. A night with sold out sets, excellent music and great fun. Sunday on to Towson University where … Read More