Rufus Reid - Celebration (2022) [Official Digital Download 24/88]

The great bassist Rufus Reid has long established himself as one of the most important stylists on his instrument. Reid hasn’t been one to stick to one lane, however. He has stretched his musical capabilities far into the ranges of composition and arranging, making his music a confluence of jazz and classical sounds. His album Celebration showcases Reid’s command as an instrumentalist and writer, as his Out Front Trio performs with and without the Sirius Quartet.

As a bassist, Reid has been a member of some legendary ensembles, both with famous leaders, like Stan Getz and Dexter Gordon, and as leader himself. Reid had never studied big band arranging but was intrigued by the process and wanted to get further involved. This led to his enrollment in the BMI Composers Workshop in 2000, a course that turned his head around, providing a myriad of information about writing for ensembles of all sorts.

Reid was asked to bring his quintet to a Texas performance nearly 12 years ago. The venue did not have the funds to pay the group, leading Reid to invite two musicians he had grown to know in efforts of creating a new trio. Pianist Steve Allee became a friend during Jamie Aebersold workshops, where Reid and Allee each taught. They shared interests in composing, arranging, and wine. Reid learned to appreciate drummer Duduka Fonseca’s work around the New York scene. Reid invited the two to rehearse and play the Texas gig, where they really clicked as an ensemble, thus becoming the Out Front Trio. They went on to record two albums for Motema Records.

In 2016, Reid was invited to record a vinyl only album for Newvelle Records. When asked what kind of project that he had in mind, Reid suggested recording his trio and adding the world-renowned Sirius Quartet on a number of pieces. Reid heard and had been impressed by the string quartet at a program where the group augmented a jazz ensemble. He knew that they would work well with this chamber jazz project. The recording was released in 2017.

TRACKLIST

1. Rufus Reid - Celebration
2. Rufus Reid - Cedar's Blues
3. Rufus Reid - This I Ask of You
4. Rufus Reid - It's Time to Shout it Out
5. Rufus Reid - Celestial Dance
6. Rufus Reid - Tranescape
7. Rufus Reid - Tippin'
8. Rufus Reid - You Make Me Smile
9. Rufus Reid - Falling In Love
10. Rufus Reid - One for Amos
11. Rufus Reid - The Rise of the Row



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