Rufus Reid

Rufus Reid has been best known throughout his career as a very supportive bassist who consistently inspires other musicians, in addition to being an important educator. In recent times, he has been working more as a bandleader, and he remains as inspiring as ever. This set includes both a CD and a DVD and features Reid's current quintet, including the young up-and-coming trumpeter Freddie Hendrix (who hints at both Freddie Hubbard and Woody Shaw), a pair of occasional bandleaders (pianist Sumi Tonooka and tenor saxophonist Rich Perry), and drummer Tim Horner. The CD has six of Reid's harmonically rich, moody, and slightly melancholy originals plus a selection apiece from Harold Land, Billy Childs, and Duke Ellington, the latter an unaccompanied solo feature for Reid on "Sophisticated Lady." The most stirring performances are the somewhat jubilant "When She Smiles Upon Your Face," "Forever on My Mind," and "The Meddler." The DVD has the exact same performances plus Reid's "The Peaceful Flame" and an interesting 39-minute interview in which he relates highlights from his life story, talks about the Kennedy Center concert, and plays an unaccompanied solo on "The Meddler." ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide