About Us, by Mike Reed's People, Places & Things

About Us

by Mike Reed's People, Places & Things

supported by

	/

Streaming + Download

Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.

Purchasable with gift card

$7 USD or more

1.	It's Enough 05:02	buy track
2.	VS #1 07:45	buy track
3.	About Us 06:40	buy track
4.	Big and Fine 10:58	buy track
5.	The Next Time You Are Near 05:41	buy track
6.	Big Stubby 07:13	buy track
7.	Flat Companion 04:52	buy track
8.	First Reading: Paul's Letter to the Ephesians 04:21	buy track
9.	Under the Influence of Lunar Objects 05:05	buy track
10.	Days Fly By (with Ruby) 06:20	buy track

about

The original focus of our quartet was to investigate and reinvent some of the under-recorded, under-recognized aspects of the vibrant Chicago jazz scene circa 1954-60. On Proliferation, we brought ideas and new approaches to music of another time. This second offering is primarily About Us. (A forthcoming third document will bring us full circle; inviting principal players of that past to share in the ideas of today.)

To borrow from both Muhal Richard Abrams and Sun Ra (two of the most significant musicians in the Chicago legacy), numerology isn't lost in the underlying concept here. On Proliferation we created three pieces dedicated to places and people in Chicago of the 50's. On this record About Us, we've invited three important and influential members of Chicago's improvised music community to join in.

I was fortunate enough to perform with David Boykin in his group The Expanse, as well as an improvising trio with bassist Karl Seigfried (later turned quartet with flutist Nicole Mitchell). David may be the most innovative composer walking the streets of Chicago. His boundless energy and tone speak directly to the great Chicago tenor legacy. I'm forever grateful for my musical growth due to being part of his sonic explorations.

Jeb Bishop has established himself as one of the most respected trombonists in the jazz/improvised world. As one of the most ubiquitous figures on the Chicago scene, his big, punchy tone and instinctive sense of melody sets a high standard for a future generation of improvisers.

Although Jeff Parker is one of the most highly regarded musicians in Chicago, his greatness is more than just his musical prowess (I know that seems impossible). When anyone speaks of Jeff they first refer to his unique sound, which can traverse any terrain and is never mistaken. However, Jeff's true gift is an idea: the idea that you can operate in any genre, place, or setting without being mistaken for anything other than your own "sound."

I hope that this second of three records takes us closer to the idea of our own "sound."

credits

released May 26, 2009

Greg Ward (alto saxophone), Tim Haldeman (tenor saxophone), Jason Roebke (bass), Mike Reed (drums) with David Boykin (tenor saxophone track 4), Jeb Bishop (trombone track 6), Jeff Parker (guitar track 10)

license

about

Mike Reed Chicago, Illinois

Mike Reed is a musician, composer, bandleader and arts presenter based in Chicago. Over the last two decades he has emerged as a dominant force within Chicago’s diverse artistic community, both through the music he makes and the live events he produces. ... more

contact / help

Contact Mike Reed

Streaming and
Download help

Report this album or account

If you like About Us, you may also like:

Old New
by Tomeka Reid Quartet

supported by 9 fans who also own “About Us”

Mary Halvorson’s guitar playing is so unique! Beside Reid’s approach to cello it setting up a mood for the whole album. Very interesting! Robin Nitram
go to album
Welcome Adventure! Vol. 1
by Daniel Carter, Matthew Shipp, William Parker, Gerald Cleaver

supported by 8 fans who also own “About Us”

This album has it all, swing, groove, freedom, technique and feeling. Everyone's on form and perfectly matched. Just buy it! Giles
go to album
Poof
by Henry Threadgill

supported by 8 fans who also own “About Us”

sophisticated and inspiring jazz album stephan
go to album
Pith
by Tomas Fujiwara

featured on Bandcamp Radio Apr 2, 2024
go to album
MESTIZX
by Ibelisse Guardia Ferragutti & Frank Rosaly

On “MESTIZX,” Ibelisse Guardia Ferragutti & Frank Rosaly explore their ancestral roots in Bolivia, Brazil, and Puerto Rico. Bandcamp New & Notable Mar 20, 2024
go to album
cook/swing/work/relax
by New Jazz Underground

featured on Bandcamp Radio Mar 19, 2024
go to album
Mayan Space Station
by William Parker

supported by 8 fans who also own “About Us”

After a precision liftoff in Tabasco and setting a course to travel the space ways from planet to planet, the album peels away through a wormhole just past Saturn in the eponymous track Mayan Space Station to journey through time and space in Canyons of Light. eric F
go to album