Tomeka Reid's debut album as a bandleader, "Tomeka Reid Quartet," is a vibrant and thrilling exploration of free jazz and avant-garde sounds, recorded on September 1, 2014, at Strobe Recording in Chicago, Illinois, and released on September 25, 2015, by Thirsty Ear Recordings as part of their Blue Series. This 46-minute journey features Tomeka Reid on cello, Mary Halvorson on guitar, Jason Roebke on double bass, and Tomas Fujiwara on drums, showcasing a brilliant cast of musicians who bring a fiery intensity and improvisational acumen to the album.
The album opens with a rendition of Eric Dolphy's "17 West," setting the tone for the rest of the record with its singable melody and breezy groove. Reid's original compositions, such as "Etoile," "Billy Bang's Bounce," and "Samo Swing," are interspersed with improvisational pieces like "Improv #1" and "Improv #2," demonstrating the quartet's ability to blend structured and free-form playing seamlessly. The album also includes a composition by Mary Halvorson, "Glass Light," adding another layer of depth to the quartet's dynamic sound.
Critics have praised "Tomeka Reid Quartet" as a standout debut, with some even naming it Album of the Year in 2015. The album's tense and thrilling nature, coupled with its vibrant showcase of Reid's improvisational skills, makes it a compelling listen for fans of jazz, avant-garde, and free jazz. Whether you're a longtime fan of Tomeka Reid or new to her work, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.
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