Steve Reid was a highly influential American jazz drummer known for his adventurous playing style and involvement in a variety of genre-spanning collaborations. Born on January 29, 1944, in the Bronx, New York City, Reid's career took off after he graduated from high school and served as a drummer in the Apollo Theater house band. His musical journey led him to work with a vast array of musical icons, ranging from famously experimental artists like Sun Ra to more mainstream acts such as Martha and the Vandellas, James Brown, and Miles Davis.

Reid's discography reflects his broad musical interests and his penchant for exploration. His own albums, like "Rhythmatism" and "A Drum Story", showcase his skills as a bandleader and his ability to blend jazz with elements of world music and avant-garde sounds. His later work included notable collaborations such as "The Exchange Session Vol. 1 & 2" and "Tongues", featuring Kieran Hebden of Four Tet, with whom he developed a deep mutual admiration and a unique electronic-jazz fusion. Even as he ventured into more electronic and improvisational territory, Reid maintained a spiritual and rhythmic intensity that remained a cornerstone of his sound until his death on April 13, 2010. His legacy lives on as a testament to his enduring innovation and the bridges he built between jazz and contemporary music.

Genres

Soul Jazz

Latest Release

Rhythmatism

Steve Reid

Ep - 5 Tracks - Released November 22, 2019