Jazz great teaches class at Rosa Parks
Saturday, February 17, 2007
By DONALD V. ADDERTON
HERALD NEWS
Rufus Reid embraced an early appreciation for jazz music. Born in Atlanta and raised in Sacramento, Calif., he listened to the jazz masters and developed an intoxicating bass-line groove that has established him as one of the innovators on the instrument.
As part of the Paterson school district's acknowledgement of Black History Month during February, Reid returned to Rosa Parks High School of Fine & Performing Arts this week to conduct a master class for music students and perform a concert with his band. He also shared with the students the rich legacy of a music that has had a profound impact on the arts.
"I always like to contribute back to the community as much as I can," said Reid of Teaneck. "Kids that age don't really get to hear jazz that often. They don't go to clubs. They don't hear it on the radio."
Not only has the 62-year-old Reid been a force in the music, but he is teaching today's young lions. He would like them to carry the creative mantle of John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, Stan Getz, Bill Evans, Lee Morgan, Jimmy Garrison, Art Blakey, Duke Ellington. Count Basie, Charles Mingus, Dexter Gordon, Louis Armstrong, among so many more.
He also has recorded with the likes of Kenny Burrell, Andre Previn. Kathleen Battle, George Cables, Sonny Stitt, Eddie Harris, Kenny Dorham, Gene Ammons, Art Farmer, among so many others.
Reid'slatest CD, "The Gait Keeper" (Sunnyside), features: Reid on bass; Rich Perry, tenor saxophone; Fred Hendrix, trumpet/flugelhorn; John Stetch, piano; and Montez Coleman, drums.
The historical significance of the contributions made by blacks, and the importance of jazz that was born out of America's creative crucible, is not lost on Reid as he returned to the Silk City.
"The music itself was founded here in America by black people and it's now permeated the world," Reid said. "This music and creativity knows no color. It's a national treasure."
When Reid is not laying down bass-line licks, he has been a noted educator – having been on the faculty of William Paterson University – he is currently the artist in residence at the University of North Texas.
Reid authored the critically acclaimed "The Evolving Bassist" in 1974 that has become required reading for practitioners of the instrument.
Reid will premier a much-awaited four-part suite entitled "Quiet Pride," which was inspired by the work of sculptor Elizabeth Catlett, at the University of Connecticut in March.
When Reid finished his performance at the high school, he appeared satisfied that many of the Rosa Parks students understood the mission of the music, its historical significance and creative influence on a nation.
"Maybe they didn't know anything about jazz," Reid said, "but now they know a little bit, and they got it from the horse's mouth."
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