Avatar Studios was recently visited by the award-winning jazz bassist Rufus Reid, who recorded his new project “QUIET PRIDE” under a union contract. The piece was inspired by five sculptures of the late African-American artist and sculptress Elizabeth Catlett. “QUIET PRIDE” was the winner of the first-ever Sackler Composition Award in the jazz category. The album will be released by Motéma Music in April 2013. Photos by Walter Karling.

Akira Tana, Rufus Reid and James Farber

Charenee Wade and Rufus Reid

R. Denis Mackrel and Rufus Reid

Tim Hagans, Tanya Darby, Rufus Reid, Ingrid Jensen and Freddie Henrix

Vincent Chancey, Rufus Reid and John Clark

From left, Dave Taylor, Ryan Keberle, Rufus Reid, Michael Dease and Jason Jackson

Vic Juris, Rufus Reid, Herlin Riley and Steve Allee

Rufus Reid and Steve Danenberg

Scott Robinson, Erica von Kleist, Steve Wilson, Rufus Reid, Tom Christensen and Carl Maraghi