"Reed can keep time, break down grooves, drive the bus, or paint pictures--sometimes in the same piece--but his decisions are driven by what's best for the ensemble."
- Peter Margasak, Chicago Reader



So I've been laying low, planning tours, festivals and trying to get things together for some releases that backed up on me last year.

First up is a debut recording by my quartet - People, Places & Things. If you don't know, this group features Greg Ward on alto, Tim Haldeman on tenor and Jason Roebke on the double bass. The record, Proliferation due out on 482 Music, is a re-interpretation of music made in Chicago from 1954-60. I also contribute three pieces that are dedicated to the different aspects of the era. As a side note, we're already working out a second installment, which will feature three musicians that were key figures of the Chicago scene during that era.

Second, I've got a long over due (by my standards) Loose Assembly follow up. The record, titled The Speed of Change, will also be out on 482 some time this spring. With this release the group will embark on a double bill European tour set for March 28 through April 16. Our friends, The Rempis Percussion Quartet, will be sharing the bill with us. Check the "shows" column for more info.

And hopefully....
You'll see a TAREAB (working title) record this year. I had the pleasure of performing at Fred Anderson's Velvet Lounge in Chicago with bassist Josh Abrams and pianist Craig Taborn. All of the sets were recorded and we'll see if it will be available for you. Hopefully we’ll also be able to find some time in our schedules this year to put a few shows together, so keep your eyes and ears open.

That's what's up for now.

Later
Reed