Rufus Reid & Outfront Hues Of A Different Blue Motema 2011
Time has a funny way of bringing people together even if it is only through the Internet but treasured memories with a personal twist are especially nice for this critic having studied under Rufus Reid at one of the Jamey Abersold Instructional Jazz Clinics - "back in the day." One memory taken from this wonderful week was the purchase of my first jazz recording "Horn Culture" by Sonny Rollins. Perhaps the most cherished memory is that of Reid greeting me as I came off stage after my first ever quartet performance, smiling and telling me my solo reminded him of something the late Dexter Gordon would have been proud of. Reid was being kind but now time has brought us full circle and to Hues of A Different Blue.
For those unfamiliar with Reed's work outside of that as a leading jazz educator, a partial jazz resume includes work with Gene Ammons, Kenny Dorham, Eddie Harris, Sonny Stitt, Don Byas, Philly Joe Jones, Thad Jones, Mel Lewis, Dexter Gordon, Bill Evans, Stan Getz, Dizzy Gillespie, and Art Farmer. Hues of A Different Blue assembles some all star guests to help solidify Reid's formidable trio aptly named "Out Front." Tenor saxophone great Bobby Watson is joined by rising stars JD Allen on tenor saxophone, Freddie Hendrix on trumpet and Brazilian guitarist Toninho Horta on guitar. Reid includes solid original compositions as well as time tested standards but the tunes were specifically picked with each performer in mind allowing for a vivid hue of sonic texture and color that may easily make for one of the best releases for 2011.
Pianist Steve Allee and drummer Duduka Da Fonseca round out this exciting trio with Reed, allowing Reed the freedom to do what he does best - swing! The additional of Brazilian guitarist Horta on the beautiful "Mother and Child" as well as two other tunes allows a sonic richness and variety seldom heard in most traditional recordings. The standards "These Foolish Things" as well as "Come Rain or Come Shine" which turns into a showcase for Reed steal the show in their immaculate presentation. Watson gives a standout performance on the title track "Hues Of A Different Blue" while Hendrix and Allen, who also give brilliant performances, more than prove why they are indeed part of the rich future of traditional jazz.
In straight ahead jazz speed seems to be king. Play in an odd meter and you are suddenly the flavor of the month. With Rufus Reid & Out Front you get vibrant straight ahead jazz, no frills but with all the depth,flavor and texture you can handle. Having spent a week studying with Rufus Reid, bias is a given. Great music and great people have a tendency to do that to a person.
