rbi enterprises - arts division
bob irvine
(CJF Board Member)

The RBI Enterprises - Arts Division is dedicated to the development, promotion and preservation of art in the forms of jazz music, fine art in most media, and the publication of related books and literature. For more information or new projects, please email bobjass@aol.com.

The Ray Reed Quintet:
Once Upon a Reed

Once Upon a Reed is a straight-ahead bebop jazz album recorded in 1999 featuring six fresh, new charts composed and arranged by the leader - Ray Reed, and two classic jazz standards.

Chuck Niles wrote: "This modern, streamlined quintet has the same great flavor ot the bands from the '50s and 60's. With soaring solos and a grooving rhythm section, this is what jazz is all about, man."

Recommended if you like Sonny Stitt, Phil Woods, Cannonball Adderly.

Available from Seabreeze Jazz (SEAB 3065) at:
www.seabreezejazz.com
www.cdbaby.com
www.amazon.com
www.emusic.com
 

The Ray Reed Hollywood Bebop Quintet Plays Ray Reed

This special memorial tribute album introduces eight new straight-ahead bebop jazz tunes composed and arranged by Ray Reed
(1942-2008) and performed by an all-star jazz quintet. This album is warmly dedicated to the loving memory of Ray Reed, jazz master instrumentalist, composer, arranger, artist and author.

Harvey Barkan (L. A. Jazz Scene, February 2009) wrote:
"There are flowing, really splendid renditions of some remarkable melodic jazz performed by veteran jazzmen. This is high quality that commands your attention; it's too listenable for background music. Both the tunes and the performance are quite compelling. The ensemble playing is perfection, and noteworthy solos are also featured. This solid CD deserves you listening whether you're a jazz collector or a novice to small group jazz of this flavor."

Scott Yanow (L. A. Jazz Scene, January 2009) wrote:
"None of Ray Reed's songs have thus far become standards, but there are several contenders on this CD. The melodies are logical, the chord changes stimulating and, with heated solos by Menza, Stout and Garvin, this is a fresh set of new hard bop that straightahead jazz collectors will want."

Available from Rhombus Records (RHO 7083) at:
www.rhombus-records.com
www.amazon.com
www.emusic.com

Gene Stone Quintet: Tenor Combustion

The world-class musicians on Tenor Combustion literally burn their way through ten straight-ahead, classic jazz and standard tunes with an energy that immediately captures and challenges the imagination of the listener. The creative and powerful music by these jazz artists makes Tenor Combustion a must-own  collector's item for the true jazz connoisseur.

Harvey Barkan (L. A. Jazz Scene, March 2007) wrote:
"Amazing energetic fluidity is shown on these jazz and standard tunes created by the likes of Charlie Parker, Sonny Rollins, Dexter Gordon, Sammy Kahn, Billy Strayhorn and Duke Ellington making it tenor tune heaven. There is so much fine work going by, it's hard to digest this richly prepared tenor diet the first time through. By the second or third listening, you'll
realize how much energy, artistry, and substance is contained on this CD."

Available from Rhombus Records (RHO 7065) at:
www.rhombus-records.com
www.amazon.com
www.emusic.com
 

The Gene Stone/Vince Wallace/Kent Glenn Musical Ensemble With the Great Ray Reed: Vintage Stonejazz

Vintage Stonejazz was originally produced and recorded during early January 1980 by Gene Stone with an all-star jazz ensemble
under the musical direction of Kent Glenn. Only a few copies were made primarily for personal and demo use. After the music was allowed to age like fine wine for over 20 years, the original
tapes were dusted off and the music re-mixed and re-mastered during 2003 in order to preserve this great music and prepare this CD for commercial use and airplay. One simply yearns to be able to turn back the clock and return to that golden era to enjoy the
creativity and energy of that musical period. The jazz on this CD provides the listener with that opportunity and, like Stonehenge itself, will continue to stand the test of time.

Available from Rhombus Records (RHO 7041) at:
www.rhombus-records.com
www.amazon.com
www.emusic.com
 

© Copyright by California Jazz Foundation 2009