Rufus Reid, one of today’s premiere bassists on the
international jazz scene, with his reputation firmly established in the
education arena, now adds composition to his vitae. Rufus participated in the
BMI Jazz Composer’s Workshop for five years which has empowered him to move
more deeply into the composing arena. He has written for string orchestra, jazz
ensembles large and small, concert band, double bass ensemble pieces and a solo
bass composition.
Reid will pay tribute to the great Ray Brown, a
Pittsburgh native who is widely considered the father of modern bass playing.
Reid’s performances will be comprised of three distinct acts, the first of
which will open with a solo bass number, followed by a composition written for
three basses. The first act will close with a song written by Dr. John Wilson,
which was originally composed for and performed by an all-bass quintet at Milt
Hinton’s memorial service.
Reid’s second act will showcase his trio—piano, bass, and
drums—and will include songs arranged to pay tribute to Brown. For the third
act, Rufus Reid will be joined onstage by the Pittsburgh Jazz Orchestra where
they will debut a new composition written in honor of Ray Brown.