Tony Reedus


Tony Reedus was an American jazz drummer.

Biography

Reedus was born in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1959. At age 14, he began playing the drums, soon joining his school band. His uncle, James Williams, a pianist for The Jazz Messengers, inspired him to play jazz. In 1978, he began attending Memphis State University, studying music and playing in local clubs. Trumpeter Woody Shaw asked Reedus to audition for his band in New York, following a performance at Blues Alley in Memphis, and in 1980, he left college to join Shaw's group.
Reedus first gained attention performing in Woody Shaw's band in 1981, remaining with the group until it disbanded in 1983. He has also played with Dave Stryker, Mulgrew Miller, Mike Nock, Kenny Garrett, Benny Golson, James Williams, and Anthony Wonsey, among others, and recorded five albums as a leader.
He noted his influences as drummers Art Blakey, Louis Hayes, Elvin Jones, Victor Lewis, Max Roach, Chick Webb, and Tony Williams.
Reedus died of a pulmonary embolism at John F. Kennedy International Airport at the age of 49. He had just returned from a tour in Italy with pianist Mike LeDonne.

Discography

As leader

  • The Far Side
  • Incognito
  • Minor Thang
  • ''People Get Ready''

    As sideman

With Joanne Brackeen
  • Power Talk
With Robin Eubanks & Steve Turre
  • Dedication
With Kenny Garrett
With Benny Golson
With Benny Green
  • Prelude
With Geoff Keezer
With Harold Mabern
  • Mabern's Grooveyard
  • Maya with Love
With Ronnie Mathews
  • Selena's Dance
With Mulgrew Miller
  • Wingspan
  • Time and Again
With Dick Oatts
  • Gratitude
With Woody Shaw
  • United
  • Lotus Flower
  • Master of the Art
  • Night Music
  • The Time Is Right
With Jim Snidero
  • Tippin
With James Spaulding
With Walt Weiskopf Quintet
  • Anytown
With Anthony Wonsey'
  • ''Blues for Hiroshi''