THE RICHARD REITER AFRO-JAZZ PROJECT
Click here to watch the Richard Reiter Afro-Jazz Project performing in concert.
Low Res (8.2 MB)
High Res (24.7 MB)
THE RICHARD REITER AFRO-JAZZ PROJECT
Click here to watch the Richard Reiter Afro-Jazz Project performing in concert.
Low Res (8.2 MB)
High Res (24.7 MB)
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The Richard Reiter Afro-Jazz
Project in concert |
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"Reiter is a wonderfully polished saxophonist,
with a beautiful sound on "Jobim Time, especially, contains an
excellent series of mainstream modern |
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Richard Reiter: tenor and soprano saxophones
(plus alto and baritone on Ca Va Bien), flute Click here to play "Initiation" from "I Hear Africa": Reiter's exciting Afro-jazz tune, performed by the Richard Reiter Afro-Jazz Project featuring Reiter's tenor saxophone (Quicktime 332K) |
· Richard Reiter Afro-Jazz Project: 5-7 musicians featuring African percussion, performing
music from "I Hear Africa" plus selections from the
other CDs |
Now Available!
This CD features 16 of Reiter's favorite compositions from Listener Friendly, Point of No Return,
The Time Has Come and I Hear Africa. To order, Click Here.
Click Here to listen to excerpts of all 16 tracks from The Best of Richard Reiter (length 14:52)
(Quicktime 9.2 MB) (MP3 21.4MB)
| Originally called Crossing Point, but now called The Richard Reiter Afro-Jazz Project, Richard Reiter's contemporary jazz group has dazzled critics since 1985. His recordings ("Listener Friendly" - 1985, "Point of No Return" - 1988, "The Time Has Come" - 1991, "I Hear Africa" - 2002) feature Reiter's compositions and have received airplay on hundreds of radio stations nationwide. "I Hear Africa" features the exciting sounds of African percussion, and Reiter based a number of his new songs on Afro-Pop music. Reiter possesses a special gift for melody, and in 1979 he received an EMMY Award for his score to "Generation on the Wind," an Academy Award nominated documentary feature film. Reiter received international attention when the USIA featured his band in three TV shows it broadcast worldwide as part of its series "Arts America." Performing saxophones, clarinets and flutes, Reiter has appeared as guest jazz soloist with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, on-stage soloist in Bob Fosse's Broadway musical "Dancin'," and backup for such artists as Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Nancy Wilson, Johnny Mathis, Temptations and Supremes. He has composed over seventy scores for films, TV shows, commercials, dance companies and theaters. In recognition of his talent, and with a support letter from legendary jazz saxophonist Sonny Rollins, Reiter has been awarded three composition/performance grants from the National Endowment for the Arts. Reiter is listed in the Marquis "Who's Who in Entertainment." In 1999, Reiter traveled to Dakar, Senegal (West Africa) to perform with many Afro-Pop bands and study African drumming. It was an instant love affair. The musicians loved performing with him and Reiter loved their evocative music. Newspapers wrote articles about him and Senegal's national radio station "Dakar FM" played his CDs. Reiter has infused his new music with these magical sounds and African percussion is now a vital part of a performance by The Richard Reiter Afro-Jazz Project. |
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(Quicktime 293k) (MP3 807k) |
REVIEWS OF REITER'S FIRST THREE CDs
"Richard Reiter has forged a personal
sound on his saxophone. His playing is expressive and his compositions
are well-crafted." Bill Milkowski-DownBeat
"Of all the jazz groups dedicated to the
'pop-jazz' doctrine, Reiter's is the one that adds true distinction
to the category." Jeff Levenson-New York Correspondent,
DownBeat
"Reiter's band is one of the most delightful fusion bands
to come skipping around the bend in some time. They provide catchy
melodies, fresh solos, and a rare engaging vitality." Lee
Jeske-Cash Box
"Yeah, these guys are good! And they do, indeed, sound like a band with a collective vision and unified soul. In all, a highly effective showcase for Reiter and his group." Chuck Berg-JazzTimes
"Multireedman Richard Reiter leads a fine fusion group with results that compare favorably with any band in the style." Fred Goodman-Billboard
"Reiter's group plays with the kind of polish and taste that make this highly melodic music certainly worth a spin. Theirs is a clever melding of jazz, New Age and rockish components." Hugh Wyatt-New York Daily News
"This band combines the best characteristics of jazz and rock-funk, and is the kind of group that could give fusion a good name. Richard Reiter is a resourceful soloist who composes exceptionally melodic compositions." George Kanzler-The Star Ledger
"Richard Reiter's subtle introduction
of urban blues, Latin rhythms and classical elements into the
jazz character of his music has earned new respect for the fusion
genre."
W. Royal Stokes-The Washington Post
