The Gait Keeper

by Ken DrydenRufus Reid has long been acknowledged as one of the first call bassists in jazz, but he has recorded sparingly as a leader, aside from three earlier dates for Sunnyside, two duo releases with bassist Michael Moore, and some jointly led sessions with drummer Akira Tana. This quintet date remedies this oversight, and also gives listeners an opportunity to explore Reid's work as a composer and arranger at a greater length. Reid is accompanied by an excellent group, which consists of tenor saxophonist Rich Perry, trumpeter and flugelhornist Fred Hendrix, pianist John Stetch, and drummer Montez Coleman. The unusual structure of his driving opener, "The Meddler," seems to project instrumentally about the headaches of dealing with a non-stop busybody; Reid's fluid lines underscore each of the soloists' in this catchy work. "Ode to Ray" is obviously a tribute to the great bassist Ray Brown, who died suddenly just a few weeks prior to the making of this recording. The title track is an extended work that constantly shifts its focus to keep the players on edge. "Seven Minds," composed by another great bassist, the late Sam Jones, showcases Reid's formidable bowing technique in its introduction, with the group joining him as he switches back to playing pizzicato. Highly recommended.