By William R. Wood
Whether playing standards like ``Round Midnight'' or his own
compositions, Eric Reed is out to explore the world of music and to share what
he's gathered.
Reed was a child prodigy who began playing piano at age 2.
He learned to play through both formal instruction and his own interest. He
became interested in jazz music early age and had digested most major jazz
recordings by the age of 13.
Reed played with Wynton Marsalis
from 1990 to 1995 and then with the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra from 1996 to
1998.
Since then, he's led his own ensembles and continues to
perform with an assortment of master jazz musicians such as Elvin Jones, Benny Carter,
Wayne Shorter, Ron Carter, Cassandra Wilson and Dianne Reeves.
Reed's interests are diverse. He has scored music for
independent and mainstream films, including the comedy ``Life,'' featuring
Eddie Murphy and Martin Lawrence.
Eric Reed
Born: June 21, 1970,
Philadelphia
Early career: Joined the Wynton
Marsalis Septet at age 19.
Current band: Reed on piano, Gerald Cannon on bass and
Willie Jones III on drums.
Expected to play: New material from an upcoming CD to be
released this summer and material from his last CD, ``From My Heart.''
When we last saw him: The Gilmore 2000.
Quote: ``Jazz will die if its practitioners don't continue
to sharpen their musical, communication and business skills, period.'''
rePosted:
8/15/06
Source: mlive.com
Return to: Black Music Archives