Rufus Reid
From 1999-2005, Rufus was a member of the BMI Composers Workshop that ignited his intrigue and desire delve into the process of composition. In 2003 he was awarded the first BMI COMPOSERS WORKSHOP COMMISSION for his composition, Whims of the Blue Bird. His receipt of the 2006 Raymond Sackler Commission resulted in his five-movement suite for large jazz ensemble, Quiet Pride-The Elizabeth Catlett Project. In November 2015, this album received two Grammy nominations, for Best Large Jazz Ensemble and Best Instrumental Composition. Rufus Reid is a 2008 Guggenheim Fellow in the field of composition, which resulted in the three-movement symphonic work, Mass Transit. In April 2016 he was named Harvard University’s Jazz Master in Residence, participating in public conversations performing in concert with his original compositions. In April 2017, Lake Tyrrell In Innisfree, Rufus’ third symphonic work was debuted in Raleigh, NC by the Raleigh Civic Symphony. May 2017, Rufus Reid was awarded the America Composers Forum Commission to composed, Remembrance, for Pittsburgh New Music Ensemble, an eight-member chamber ensemble, to be premiered in July 6-7, 2018. In December 2017, Newvelle Records, an all vinyl recording company, will release the Rufus Reid Trio, “Terrestial Dance,” featuring the Sirius Quartet. February 2019, The Vermont Philharmonic and the North Jersey Reginal High School Symphony performed Lake Tyrrell In Innisfree. In February 2020, Newvelle Records release a second vinyl recording, “Always In The Moment,” as a duo, featuring, pianist, Sullivan Fortner. Early March 2020, The WDR BAND in Köln, Germany featured nine compositions with THE BIG BAND SOUND OF RUFUS REID. In September 2021, Cross Currents, was premiered at New England Conservatory with Saxophonist, Kenneth Radnofsky. Harness The Winds was debuted March 29, 2022, by The Palisades Virtuosi Trio for piano, flute and clarinet. In October 2022, Sunnyside Records will release Rufus’ latest CD recording, “Celebration,” featuring his trio with pianist, Steve Allee, drummer, Duduka Da Fonseca, drummer, Kenneth Salters and the Sirius Quartet. In November 2022, Rufus completed his string orchestra work, WIND & SAIL. In August 2022, String Quartet #1, was recorded and will be released with fifteen other composers for the Ryan Truesdell String Quartet Sessions to be released in 2023. In 2024, his was commissioned to compose a string orchestra work featuring clarinet, The Niagara Movement Suite, which was premiered by the Appalachian Chamber Ensemble.
