A consummate jazz bassist and music educator with various credits both as a leader and a sideman with luminaries like the late saxophonist Dexter Gordon and drummer Jack DeJohnette, Rufus Reid seems find no barriers within the jazz format, and is comfortable with straight-ahead jazz, Latin and even Brazilian music. That is evidenced on “Out Front” (Motema), his latest disc as a frontman.
The disc opens with the highly complex “Glory,” which is followed by the Latin-esque “Dona Maria,” which allows Brazilian-born drummer Duduka da Fonseca to exercise his influences. The CD’s highlights also include the brilliant “Dry Land,” a syncopated tune reminiscent of Egberto Gismonti and “Cryin’ Blues,” a swinging melody around a simple blues beat. At his release concert in Chicago, Reid will be backed by Fonseca and Steve Allee (piano), who also performed on the album. (Ernest Barteldes)
April 11, 4pm, 8pm and 10pm at The Jazz Showcase, 806 S. Plymouth Court, (312)266-4935. $15-20.
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