For the second time in two decades, Soul Jazz Records has reissued legendary drummer Steve Reid’s 1976 spiritual jazz masterpiece Rhythmatism, which is one of the most sought-after and adventurous recordings of it’s time.

Recorded in November and December of 1975, this album was originally released on Reid’s own Mustevic Sound label in 1976 and features some of the most cutting-edge jazz musicians of their time including alto saxophonist Arthur Blythe, baritone saxophonist Charles Tyler, and guitarist Melvin Smith. The rest of the stellar group includes pianist Les Walker, bassist David Wertman, trombonist Michael Keith, and guest Chris Capers on trumpet. 

Solid from start to finish, this post-bop classic features five tracks including “Kai,” “Rocks (For Cannonball),” “C You Around,” “Center of The Earth,” and the album’s one-minute appropriately titled outdo, “One Minute Please.” The album is a brilliant mix of free-willing avant instrumentation, deep spiritual grooves, and soulful melodies, all backed by Reid’s funky and tight drum rhythms.  

Over a two year span, Reid released three remarkable albums under his own name, however Rhythmatism might arguably be his most complete recording of this period. With the original going for upwards of $200-300, it’s great to see that Soul Jazz has once again made this incredible recording available once again (first reissued in 2004). An absolute must for all jazz fans, this reissue version was pressed on white vinyl, and limited to just 1,000 copies. Don’t sleep, this album should be in just about everyone’s collection.

Steve Reid — ‘Rhythmatism’
(Originally released: 1976 / Mustevic Sound)
(Reissued: 2004 & 2019 / Soul Jazz Records)

1. Kai
2. Rocks (for Cannonball)
3. Center Of The Earth
4. C You Around
5. One Minute Please

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• Jazz
• Reissue
• Spiritual Jazz