Cellist and composer Tomeka Reid has become one of the most original voices in Chicago’s thriving jazz and improvised-music scene. Her melodic sensibility, always rooted in a strong sense of groove, has carried her into ensembles led by legends such as Anthony Braxton and Roscoe Mitchell, and by a younger generation of visionaries around Nicole Mitchell and Mike Reed. Since her debut as a bandleader in 2015, her quartet has grown into one of the most acclaimed working bands in contemporary jazz.

Together with Mary Halvorson (guitar), Jason Roebke (bass) and Tomas Fujiwara (drums), Reid presents her steady quartet’s new album dance! skip! hop! on Out Of Your Head Records. The title was born when she realised her compositions kept making her want to move, and that playful spirit runs through everything. After years of touring together, the quartet sounds more refined than ever, yet takes the kind of chances only a thoroughly seasoned band can.

‘As transportingly good as jazz gets.’ (All About Jazz)

Tomeka Reid cello, Mary Halvorson guitar, Jason Roebke bass, Tomas Fujiwara drums