Julian Davis Reid

Julian Davis Reid is an artist-theologian from Chicago whose sound tends to the restless human condition. A pianist, composer, and producer, he primarily expresses through Jazz & Gospel. His most recent release is The Last Days of Cabrini-Green, When Souls Cry Out, and Beside Still Waters. Prior to that he released Candid EP (2023), and before that Rest Assured (2021). Julian's most recent project is his ensemble Circle of Trust. He is a founding member of the jazz-electronic fusion group The JuJu Exchange (in partnership with Grammy Award winner Nico Segal and drummer-inventor Nova Zaii). The band has released singles and records to critical acclaim on Spotify and Downbeat, and has performed around the country, including Microsoft, San Francisco Jazz Fest, Le Poisson Rouge, and Chicago Jazz Fest. Julian has played throughout Europe, the US and Asia under his own name, The JuJu Exchange, and in the band of saxophonist Isaiah Collier (2022-2024). While working with Isaiah Collier (Isaiah Collier, Isaiah Collier & The Chosen Few), Julian contributed to three critically acclaimed records: Parallel Universe, The Almighty, and The World is on Fire. Julian has also served as musical director for Peter CottonTale and has worked with Derrick Hodge, Tank and the Bangas, and Chance the Rapper. His main musical influences include Herbie Hancock, Keith Jarrett, Wynton Kelly, Robert Glasper, Richard Smallwood, and Andraé Crouch.