Album Notes

"Reed can keep time, break down grooves, drive the bus, or paint pictures--sometimes in the same piece--but his decisions are driven by what's best for the ensemble." — Peter Margasak, Chicago Reader

Mike Reed is a musician, composer and presenter based in Chicago.

As a drummer, Reed has been part of the vibrant Chicago jazz and improvised music community since 1997. He has performed regularly with David Boykin, Nicole Mitchell, Jeff Parker, Axel Doerner, Josh Abrams, Jim Baker, Rob Mazurek and others. As a leader Reed has released two critically acclaimed albums by his cross-genre group The Treehouse Project, and 2006 will bring the debut recording by his quintet Loose Assembly as well as a record of improvised duets. He currently is a member of The David Boykin Expanse , Rob Mazurek’s Exploding Star Orchestra and Josh Berman Quartet.

For nearly a decade Reed has also established himself as a presenter of musical performances. In 2001 Reed founded the Emerging Improvisers Organization, a not-for-profit whose weekly series of jazz and improvised music has been lauded as one of the finest in the Midwest. In December 2005 Reed was named among the Chicagoans of the Year by The Chicago Tribune for his work as lead organizer of the Intonation Music Festival.

From the liner notes:
"In the fall of 2003 I was asked if I had any interest in making a solo drum recording. Although a flattering idea, I declined. The nature of any music that I have participated in has been that of a relationship and dialogue with other musicians. My ideas and ideals as a musician, no matter how out front or supportive, have always stemmed from performing In The Context Of an ensemble. Presented here is the barest display of that context, a series of duets with some of my favorite musicians. I’m truly blessed to have the opportunity to listen and interact with these unique people on and off the stage."


Musicians: Mike Reed (drums and percussion), Jeff Parker (guitar), Jim Baker (ARP synthesizer), Nicole Mitchell (flutes)