If you have a Jazz Play-Along book/cd, you’ve probably heard Rufus Reid’s bass, as he’s on a plethora of those essential educational tools. Here, along his Out Front Trio (Steve Allee/p and Duduka Da Fonseca/dr) he puts forth a textbook on how to deliver material with style, taste and substance. His own instrument is featured in all its glory on wondrous takes of “Come Rain Or Come Shine” and “Memories Of You,” while he does some wondrous Brazilian material with Toninho Horta on his own “When She Smiles Upon Your Face” and “Francisca.” Bobby Watson loans his lustrous alto on the title track, while JD Allen brings his tenor to town on “Lower Burellian Bicycle Loop.” The tracks with them and trumpeter Freddie Hendrix add a richness and variety, while trio tunes such as “It’s The Nights I Like” give room for Allee to sparkle. Another 3 Unit class of jazz statesmanship.
Motema Music
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