The Gait Keeper

SSC1106 2003-04-01

Track List

The Meddler - 8:31
Ode To Ray - 6:10
Whims Of The Bluebird - 10:07
Falling In Love - 7:50
The Gait Keeper - 10:50
You Make Me Smile - 7:07
Celestial Dance - 6:38
Seven Minds - 8:05

Musicians

Rich Perry - sax tenor
Montez Coleman drums
Rufus Reid - bass

The Gait Keeper (Sunnyside Records) contains several new works by Rufus. This Quintet CD features a variety of moods and textures, opening with an infectious bouyant melody, called The Meddler. It also includes a musical tribute to his mentor and friend, the great bassist, Ray Brown. and closes with a majestic bowed solo paying tribute to the great bassist, Sam Jones, with his composition, "Seven Minds." This CD will definitely survive a journey of repeated listenings for the jazz enthusiast.

As one of the music's most distinguished bassists, Rufus Reid has been a pillar of tonal strength and rhythmic flexibility for such legends as Eddie Harris, Thad Jones and Mel Lewis, Dexter Gordon, Art Farmer, Benny Golson, J.J. Johnson, Jack DeJohnette, and Stan Getz. His band here is a heady mix of seasoned young pros and chomping at the bit twentysomethings. They are saxophonist Rich Perry, pianist John Stetch, trumpeter Freddie Hendrix and drummer Montez Coleman. With "The Gait Keeper," Reid embarks on a new path of terrific promise, revealing the inner strength of a great artist determined to get greater.