South Africa is soon to hear one of the most experienced bass players in jazz, Rufus Reid, who will be performing and playing some of his own compositions.

He was born in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1944. He joined the US Air Force as a trumpeter and changed to bass in 1961 when he was just 17.

After studying with Warren Benfield and Joseph Guastefeste, both of the Chicago Symphony, at Northwestern University in Illinois, he graduated in 1971 with a Bachelor of Music degree as a Performance Major on the double bass.

Space doesn’t allow for all the musicians he’s played for and/or recorded with since then, but here’s a few to give you the general idea: the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra, Sonny Stitt, Dizzy Gillespie, Milt Jackson, Lee Konitz, Henry Threadgill, Helen Merrill, Jack DeJohnette, Frank Wess, Kenny Barron, Anthony Braxton, Freddie Hubbard, Gene Ammons, Kenny Burrell, Stan Getz and JJ Johnson.

He is also a teacher and taught jazz at William Paterson College in New Jersey from 1979-99. Two of his method books have been published, Evolving Upwards and Bass Book II.

I asked how he coped in playing in so many diverse styles.

“I pride myself in trying to truly play the musical situation at hand. Not knowing how the music will unfold is exciting to me. At this time in my career, I trust the players to be exceptional to make creative music the best it can be. This is what the true meaning of jazz is. I live for the unknown!”

Did he have any favourite musicians he really enjoyed playing or recording with?

“Yes, and there are too many to really name, but the significant individuals who had a life changing affect on me are Eddie Harris, Nancy Wilson, Thad Jones, Muhal Richard Abrams, Andrew Hill, Dexter Gordon, JJ Johnson and Jack DeJohnette, to name a few.”

Being an educator his advice to young players is: “Be friendly with the piano! Listen to all kinds of music! Master one style first before developing another.”

Bass players will be very interested in his bass instrument. It was made in Germany and it’s a Josef Reiger circa 1805.

Lastly, he said: “My wife and I are very excited to be visiting South Africa. I already know coming to your country will be a highlight of my career and an experience like none other. I hope the people will enjoy my music.”

He’ll be heard in concert at the Lyric Theatre at Gold Reef City on Friday and Saturday. Other artists on the bill, which is presented by the Jazz Foundation and Melodi International Jazz Collaborations, are Yusef Lateef, Sibongile Khumalo and Pu2ma, with by a 45-piece orchestra.