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Rufus Reid Quintet: Live at the Kennedy Center
ByAfter twenty years as Director of Jazz Studies at William Paterson University, Reid has devoted himself to composing original music for his quintet, big band and nonet. He's fully at ease in front of an audience, introducing each piece as if he were speaking in a classroom filled with dedicated students. That intimacy finds its way into his music as well. He delivers "Sophisticated Lady a cappella with remarkable insight.
This set favors deep expression along with the sincere manner that comes with knowing what straight ahead jazz can do for an audience. It comes from experience. The bassist and his crew have plenty going for them throughout the concert and it's made obvious by the camera as it moves in and out from several angles with a clear and colorful image.
As with many classic jazz quintets, this trumpet and tenor saxophone tandem works together in fine harmony; Hendrix is a pleasant surprise, powerful throughout the range of his instrument when the music heats up and soulful deep down inside when the mood turns mellow. Tonooka and Perry deliver adequate solo runs and contribute quite well to the ensemble's success. The DVD includes one extra piece at the close of the program that's not present on the CD: Reid's "The Peaceful Flame, which provides a suitable closing through its lyrical reminders. Reid and his quintet love what they do and it shows.
Track Listing
Come Out and Play; Ode to Angela; Celebration; Heroes; When She Smiles Upon Your Face; Forever On My Mind; Sophisticated Lady; Dreamgliding; The Meddler; The Peaceful Flame.
Personnel
Rufus Reid
bass, acousticRufus Reid: double-bass; Rich Perry: tenor saxophone; Freddie Hendrix: trumpet, flugelhorn; Tim Horner: drums; Sumi Tonooka: piano.
Album information
Title: Live at the Kennedy Center | Year Released: 2007 | Record Label: Motema Music
Comments
About Rufus Reid
Instrument: Bass, acoustic
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