Ed Reed
The Song Is You
Blue Shorts Records
By George W. Harris

So, because of a promise I made to my office staff, I’m at home, and watching the finale of “American Idol”. I’m trying to get “in tune” with the TV watching generation, so I decided to indulge their tastes for an evening. For 2 hours, I’m trying to figure out the problem with this show; later I put on this disc by vocalist Ed Reed, and I realize-this guy, and this cd is everything that is wrong with “American Idol.”

First, the guys 79 years old-he’s lived a full life, as opposed to these overexposed and underdeveloped Kodak Kids. Reed’s voice is rich, flexible, and filled with a myriad of hues and colors, as opposed to just yelling yellow, like from all those finalists. Second, he actually knows songs before Elvis Presley moved his hips; besides some delightful WWII era standards, Reed croons through a handful of obscure Ellington gems that wax and wane with unbearable delight. And did I say “croon?” Yes, as opposed to the 20 somethings that only know one pitch and intensity, this guy knows how to work a lyric: “Where Or When” has Reed changing his inflections and dynamics like a true storyteller. And lastly, Reed knows that there or other instruments besides ZZ Topped electric guitarists. He does know how to sing with six stringers, as he shows amazing sensitivity and depth on the duet with Jamie Fox on “I’m Through With Love.” However, it’s with the swinging band that includes violinist Russell George and the versatile brass/reedman Peck Allmond who swing like it’s 12th Street and Vine on “The Song Is You” and the rest of the tunes. Ed and his band embody everything that is good about music. On this fantastic disc, Reed makes the present music cast a group of Idols for Destruction.