in 1963 from Mills College, where he studied with Darius Milhaud and Luciano Berio. During 19 he studied composition with Hall Overton, before entering the Julliard School of Music, where he received instruction from William Bergsma and Vincent Persichetti until 1961. Reich's composition career began after his graduation in 1957 from Cornell University, where he received a degree with distinction in philosophy. He studied piano until the age of 14, when the influence of jazz compelled him to take up percussion with Roland Kohloff, the principal tympanist of the New York Philharmonic. His parents separated when he was very young, and although he spent most of his time with his father, an attorney in New York, Reich's interest in music may be attributed to the influence of his mother, a singer/songwriter who appeared in several musicals during the 1950s. His later works required orchestras and large vocal ensembles.Д«orn in New York City on October 3, 1936, Reich spent most of his youth shuttling between the East and West coasts. Most of his pieces feature large percussion ensembles with the addition of standard concert string and wind instruments and voice. Although he was responsible for the invention of the 'phase-shifting pulse gate,' a device used to aid performers in measuring minute rhythmic changes, Reich avoided the use of electronic instruments in performance. Concerned with the manipulation of aural perception, he directed the listener to focus on one of the many rhythmic patterns occurring concurrently in his music by reinforcing one pattern through changes in dynamics and timbre. Every record is shipped in original factory-applied shrink wrap and has never been touched by human hands.One of the foremost composers of minimalism, Steve Reich was the creator of 'phase' and 'pulse' music, both of which rely on the gradual alteration of repetitive rhythmic patterns to create subtle changes in musical texture. 'We originally started out as an instrumental band,' reflects ChrГ©tien, 'so this is actually our first all vocal album, a big step forward for us.' ChrГ©tien himself also contributes the superb front cover artwork to the album, 'I was inspired by the bold, stark, streamlined look of works by artists like Saul Bass, Emory Douglas, or Cuban poster designers - I love how they manage to maximize impact with a minimal amount of strokes and colors.'Д®ach record is protected within its record sleeve by a white vellum anti-dust sleeve.ДЄll items are shipped brand-new and unopened in original packaging. On Resistance, they showcase their continuing versatility with saxman Ray Murray, percussionist Marielle Rivard, drummer Philippe LafreniГЁre and keyboardist Pierre ChrГ©tien all taking on lead vocal duties on different tracks. The Souljazz Orchestra remain one of the most solid units in their scene, retaining their original line-up since they were first formed back in 2002. Storming opening track 'Greet The Dawn' heralds a better way of life for the downtrodden while the manic 'Shock And Awe' celebrates people power with a wry reference to Bush-era military tactics. 'We were keen to build on the band's sound and message, bringing in some of the French Caribbean and Francophone West African influences that we've loved since our youth, so the new album brings in French language tracks and elements of coupГ©-dГ©calГ©, zouk and cadence to the overall mix.' In keeping with the band's previous work, the band keep powerful lyrics at the heart of their music, delivering some biting social commentaries alongside messages of hope.

Canada's powerhouse afro / latin / soul / jazz collective, The Souljazz Orchestra, surface with a hard-hitting new album for Autumn 2015, Resistance, resuming their link-up with Strut Records.'We approached this album with a fresh ear,' explains bandleader Pierre ChrГ©tien.

The souljazz orchestra-its gonna rain