Tomeka Reid's "Dance Skip Hop": A Jazz Album Poised for Recognition

Tomeka Reid, a prominent US cellist and composer, has released her fourth album titled "Dance Skip Hop," featuring guitarist Mary Halvorson, bassist Jason Roebke, and drummer Tomas Fujiwara. This album showcases a blend of jazz styles, including fast brush-shuffles, Latin-jazzy harmonies, and hip-hop influences, spanning nearly 50 minutes across five tracks.

The Guardian

"Dance Skip Hop" is characterized by its genre-blending approach. The title track features a vibrant guitar hook complemented by Reid's pizzicato cello solo, creating a dynamic interplay between the instruments. The album includes pieces like "A(ways)," which combines a sinister guitar line with a bass-like cello vamp, and "Oo Long!," which builds a hypnotic repetition of a cello-guitar hook over a samba-like pulse. The closing track, "Silver Spring Fig Tree," transitions from a gentle melody to a storm of abstract sounds, illustrating the quartet's versatility and creativity.

The Guardian

The album has garnered significant praise, positioning it as a strong contender for jazz album of the year. Critics highlight Reid and Halvorson's seamless improvisation and the quartet's ability to appeal to a broad audience. The innovative nature of the album suggests that it could redefine contemporary jazz, with its unique sound and engaging compositions.

The Guardian

Critics have noted that Reid and Halvorson do not feel the need to prove themselves, given their established reputation in the jazz community. The album is described as "entrancing" and a reflection of the duo's long-standing collaboration. The Guardian's review emphasizes that 2026 will need to be an exceptional year for jazz to surpass the impact of "Dance Skip Hop."

The Guardian

While the album has received acclaim, some critics may argue that its genre-blending approach could alienate traditional jazz purists. However, the overall reception has been overwhelmingly positive, with few dissenting voices noted in the reviews.

The Guardian

• “This is a dazzling contemporary band with a wide appeal: 2026 will have to be some jazz year to push this one out of the frontrunners come December.” — The Guardian

The Guardian

As "Dance Skip Hop" continues to gain traction, it is anticipated that Reid and her quartet will engage in promotional performances and interviews, further solidifying their place in the contemporary jazz scene. The album's success may also inspire future collaborations and projects within the genre.

The Guardian