Eric Reed

Soldier's Hymn Eric Reed

The prodigious piano star Eric Reed, best known for his work in the Wynton Marsalis Band, was only twenty years old at the time of this recording, his first as a leader. Dedicated to legendary drummer Art Blakey, "Soldier's Hymn" finds Reed going back to stride piano and the close harmony, crescendo drive swing of Oscar Peterson and Ray Bryant. Back to swing era, blues and moods indigo. Throughout this session, we are taken by Reed through regions of this music's richness into which younger musicians venture with tragic irregularity.