Performer Spotlight   2020 NEA Jazz Master, Reggie Workman, to Perform with New Stars on This Horizon at UTA's Staten Island JAZZ Festival 32.   World-renowned Bassist/Educator/Composer/Producer, Reggie Workman, will have the distinct honor of Jazz Master listed among his many achievements when the award is presented to him next year from National Endowment of the Arts (NEA).  The NEA Jazz Masters Fellowship is the highest honor that our nation bestows on jazz artists. Each year since 1982, the program has elevated to its ranks a select number of living legends who have made exceptional contributions to the advancement of jazz. Additional 2020 Fellows include educator and saxophonist, Roscoe Mitchell; WBGO Jazz 88.3 FM's, Dorthaan Kirk; and master vocal improvisationist, Bobby McFerrin.   "It is indeed a humbling and inspiring experience to be acknowledged and awarded by the  NEA, one of our nation's most prestigious institutions, which has been known for years to be supportive of this nation's artists. I am glad to join the illustrious NEA alums as we collectively work toward the world's harmonious existence through music."  Reggie Workman

Reginald "Reggie" Workman is recognized as one of the most technically gifted American avant-garde jazz and hard bop double bassists in history. He is a teacher, composer, and jazz advocate whose style ranges from Bop, Post Bop and beyond. Workman is most recognized for his work with both John Coltrane and Art Blakey.   In 1961, Workman joined the John Coltrane Quartet, replacing Steve Davis. He was present for the saxophonist's Live at the Village Vanguard sessions, and also recorded with a second bassist (Art Davis) on the 1961 albums, Olé Coltrane and Africa/Brass. Workman recorded frequently through the 1960s and performed with such icons as Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers, Thelonious Monk, Max Roach, Freddie Hubbard, Lee Morgan, Eric Dolphy, Gigi Gryce, Booker Little, Roy Haynes, Wayne Shorter, Red Garland, James Moody, Abbey Lincoln, Alice Coltrane, Booker Ervin, Horace Silver, Benny Golson, Cedar Walton, Elvin Jones, McCoy Tyner, Curtis Fuller, Yusef Lateef, Pharoah Sanders, Herbie Mann, Archie Shepp, Clifford Jordan, Bobby Hutcherson, Sonny Fortune, Billy Harper, and David Murray. Workman, with pianist Tommy Flanagan and drummer Joe Chambers, formed The Super Jazz Trio in 1978. In the 1980s, he was the founding member of "Great Friends" and began leading his own group, The Reggie Workman Ensemble.    Workman co-founded the historic Collective Black Artists and was Musical Director of the New Muse Community Museum (Brooklyn, NY). In recent years Reggie has been working with new music luminaries such as Geri Allen, Jason Moran, Vijay Iyer and his longstanding collaboration, TRIO 3 (Oliver Lake, Reggie Workman, Andrew Cyrille).   Reggie is currently a tenured professor at The New School College of Performing Arts (COPA) and has been teaching there since 1987. As an Associate Professor of The New School of Jazz and Contemporary Music, Workman teaches classes such as Futuristic Concepts in Music, and the John Coltrane Ensemble. Workman is a strong advocate for the history of jazz music and treats his students with respect and professionalism. Reggie mentors through the classroom and opens the door of opportunities to his students. He continues to hire current and past students on his gigs, and is quick to recommend them to any leads. Reggie has educated new artists such as Robert Glasper, Jose James, Marcus and E.J. Strickland, Brad Mehldau, Avishai Cohen, Peter Bernstein, Roy Hargrove, Becca Stevens, and James Francies.    Workman is an incredibly spiritual human with an important message. He is rooted in tradition, and encourages futuristic approaches. Reggie's heart is his bass, and he lives to continue the education and preservation of jazz music. Reggie Workman's music, education, spirituality, and approach will forever inspire generations of musicians to stretch the boundaries of their comfort zone.   UTA is humbled and grateful to have Professor Workman on our performance roster once again this year. Join us on October 19th for Staten Island JAZZ Festival 32.   Photo Credits Above: Reggie Workman. Photograph courtesy of the Artist.    Below: Reggie Workman Performs at UTA's 30th Annual Staten Island JAZZ Festival (2017). Photograph by Wink Photography/Willie Chu.

WBGO's Sheila Anderson will interview Reggie Workman  this weekend, Saturday 9/28 at midnight, on her show  Weekend Jazz After Hours/Salon Sessions (Jazz 88.3 FM). Below: Sheila Anderson. Photograph Courtesy of Ms. Anderson.