(E 86) “Deluge” and Reggie Workman
Reggie Workman, born in Philadelphia in 1937, is one of jazz’s most versatile and influential bassists. Best known for his work with John Coltrane he helped shape some of the most important recordings of the 1960s, balancing hard bop drive with avant-garde exploration. His collaborations with innovators like Cecil Taylor, Sam Rivers, and Archie Shepp reveal a fearless curiosity, while his leadership of ensembles such as Trio Three and his acclaimed albums Summit Conference and Cerebral Caverns highlight his compositional imagination. Beyond performance, Workman has been a crucial educator, mentoring generations of musicians at The New School. His artistry was recognized in 2020 when he was named an NEA Jazz Master. Wayne Shorter’s composition Deluge, recorded on Juju (1964), reflects the Coltrane-inspired synergy of Workman, McCoy Tyner, and Elvin Jones. Built on recurring rhythmic hits and modal harmonies, it blends structure and freedom, making it a modern jazz classic.