| Country | United States of America |
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| Occupation | Composer, Performer |
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| Categories | Jazz |
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Often called a chameleon, Rufus Reid is a forty-five year veteran bassist with over 350 recordings in his discography. His musical prowess can be found perfectly comfortable in an array of performance settings. Rufus Reid is equally known as an exceptional educator teaching clinics and workshops all over the world. His book and DVD, THE EVOLVING BASSIST, is recognized as the industry standard as the definitive bass method.
In 2003 “Linear Surroundings” a composition of Four Movements: “Shadow Chasing,” “Moods,” “The Peaceful Flame,” and “Collage” was created with generous support from The Chamber Music America Awards New Works: Creation and Presentation Program Grant, generously Funded by The Doris Duke Foundation. This work for jazz quintet + four was performed at the 2005 ISB convention in Kalamazoo, MI.
Rufus Reid is the recipient of the 2006 ASCAP/IAJE Commission for Established Composer for his composition, Hues of A Different Blue. This work is written for large jazz ensemble in honor of composer, Billy Strayhorn.
The 2006 Raymond Sackler Composition Commission Prize was awarded to Rufus Reid. The title, Quiet Pride, is inspired by four sculptures by the artist, Elizabeth Catlett premiered in 2007, at the University of Connecticut/Storrs.
In May 2007, “RUFUS REID QUINTET – LIVE At The Kennedy Center,” CD/DVD
package recording was released by Motéma Music.
The United States Air Force Band of the West recorded Rufus’ big band composition, COME OUT AND PLAY, in the Spring of 2008. In the Fall of 2009, the same organization commissioned him to compose for their Concert Band. The resulting composition is entitled, JOY IN THE OASIS, to be premiered in the Spring of 2010.
In June of 2008, The John Simon Guggenheim Fellowship awarded Rufus a Guggenheim Fellowship for composition. The resulting work is scheduled for its debut performance with the Idyllwild Arts Academy Symphony Orchestra in Idyllwild, CA, and Los Angeles, CA, on May 7 & 8, 2011, conducted by Bassist/Composer, Peter Askim.
The MacDowell Colonly Fellowship has also been awarded to Rufus to commence November-December, 2010.
The new, Rufus Reid Trio-OUT FRONT, CD on Motéma Music was released in March, 2010, to critical acclaim.
