Reeds Bass Drum @ All About Jazz

Primary Instrument: Sax, baritone

Reed's Bass Drum is a Brooklyn based jazz collective focused on composing music as dialogue for baritone saxophone, bass and drums. “I originally organized the trio as a workshop for compositions that simultaneously embrace the spectral range of baritone saxophone and bass, and are built around melodies that transcend the trio sound and become collective musical statements,” says baritone saxophonist and composer Jonah Parzen-Johnson. Reed's Bass Drum explores the trio format both as a way to place the bass and baritone saxophone comfortably in center stage and as a way to draw from a tradition of melodically interested uninhibited improvisers.

The influence of trios led by Fred Anderson, Sonny Rollins, Joe Lovano, and Fly is implicitly referenced in the work the trio produces. However, the defining use of baritone saxophone and the ever present intuitive dialogue between the members of the trio has contributed to a musical persona that is all their own.

Last Updated: January 8, 2010

”By the time Reed's Bass Drum's EP cascades into its soft ending, aficionados will swear it has delivered aural nirvana.” -Kevin Liedel, MuzikReviews.com

“...Baritone saxophonist Jonah Parzen-Johnson played with irresistible verve and promise.” - Howard Reich, Chicago Tribune

“A surprisingly mature voice making some great music. Seriously musical.” - Kenny Werner

Which is Which
Self Produced
January 28 2010
Tracks: Which is Which; No, a Shark; Changes; After The Almonds Fell; When You Listen; At A Glance; Stretches; Yatra.
Personnel: Jonah Parzen-Johnson : baritone saxophone, Noah Garabedian; Bass, Aaron Ewing; Drums
Reed's Bass Drum EP
Self Produced
2008
Tracks: Like Pepper; Numbers or Letter; Living Conditions; The Roost.
Personnel: Jonah Parzen-Johnson : baritone saxophone, Noah Garabedian; Bass, Aaron Ewing; Drums

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