Sharay Reed is a name that has become synonymous with mastery on the bass guitar, a musician whose playing has left a profound impact across multiple genres, particularly gospel, jazz, and R&B. Known for his technical precision, deep groove, and versatility, Reed has established himself as a respected bassist, composer, and musical director. His ability to transition between musical styles while maintaining a unique, soulful voice on the bass has made him one of the most in-demand musicians in the industry.
Early Life and Beginnings
Sharay Reed was born in Chicago, Illinois, in 1977, a city known for its rich and diverse musical heritage. Raised in a family and community deeply rooted in gospel music, Reed was introduced to music early, finding his initial musical footing in the church. Gospel music’s influence on Reed cannot be overstated; it was in church that he developed his sense of rhythm, groove, and musical dynamics, skills that would become integral to his career as a bassist.
Chicago’s vibrant music scene exposed Reed to a wide variety of genres beyond gospel, including jazz, blues, funk, and R&B. He quickly developed an interest in the bass guitar and began honing his skills, drawing inspiration from great bassists across different musical styles. From his early years, Reed demonstrated an extraordinary ability to blend the harmonic complexity of jazz with the rhythmic drive of gospel and funk, setting him apart from his peers.
Rising Career: From Gospel to Session Work
Sharay Reed’s professional career began to take shape in the gospel music world, where his reputation for impeccable timing, groove, and creativity quickly grew. Gospel music requires a bassist to not only hold down the low end but also to enhance the emotional depth of the performance, often acting as the backbone of the entire band. Reed’s ability to do this made him a sought-after musician in Chicago’s gospel circuit.
As his talent became more widely recognized, Reed began working with prominent gospel artists, including Kirk Franklin, Yolanda Adams, and Donnie McClurkin. His deep understanding of gospel music, coupled with his jazz and R&B sensibilities, made him a versatile player capable of adapting to various settings. This versatility opened the door for him to move beyond gospel and into the worlds of R&B, jazz, and pop music.
Collaborations with Major Artists
Sharay Reed’s career expanded significantly as he transitioned into session work, collaborating with some of the biggest names in music across various genres. Over the years, he has performed and recorded with legendary artists such as:
- Aretha Franklin
- Chaka Khan
- R. Kelly
- Sheila E.
- Mary J. Blige
- Patti LaBelle
Reed’s ability to adapt his playing to different musical environments made him a go-to bassist for live tours and studio sessions. His precise, groove-driven approach worked seamlessly in high-pressure environments, where he needed to quickly learn complex arrangements or improvise during live performances. Whether playing funk-driven bass lines for an R&B star or walking a jazz bass line in a small combo, Reed always brought his signature touch.
Defining Style and Technique
Sharay Reed’s style is a blend of gospel, jazz, R&B, and funk, underpinned by his remarkable technical proficiency and musical intuition. He is known for his fingerstyle playing, using his fingers to pluck and articulate each note with precision and control. His mastery of the fingerstyle technique allows him to play intricate, syncopated rhythms while maintaining a solid groove that locks in with the drums.
Key Elements of His Playing:
- Groove and Pocket: Reed’s ability to lock into the pocket, whether in a gospel service or on a jazz stage, is one of his defining characteristics. His deep sense of rhythm keeps the music grounded, creating a solid foundation for the other instruments to build upon.
- Melodic Improvisation: As a highly skilled jazz player, Reed often incorporates melodic lines into his bass playing. His ability to create expressive, improvisational solos showcases his deep understanding of music theory and harmony.
- Versatility: Reed’s range across genres is a testament to his adaptability. Whether it’s laying down a smooth R&B groove or playing fast-paced jazz lines, his ability to tailor his approach to fit the music has made him one of the most versatile bassists in the industry.
“Gotta Testify” and Internet Fame
While Sharay Reed’s career was already well-established, he gained even more visibility with a viral video performance that captured the attention of bass players and music lovers worldwide. The performance, known as “Gotta Testify,” showcases Reed’s incredible skill on the bass guitar, blending virtuosic playing with deep groove and emotional expression. The video became a massive hit on YouTube, garnering millions of views and further solidifying Reed’s status as one of the premier bassists of his generation.
In this performance, Reed uses a wide range of techniques, including harmonics, fast finger work, and intricate rhythmic patterns. His ability to solo over complex chord changes while maintaining the integrity of the groove is a masterclass in bass playing. The video continues to inspire and influence bassists around the world, and Reed has become an online sensation among musicians and fans alike.
Music Directing and Producing
In addition to his role as a bassist, Sharay Reed has also worked as a musical director and producer, roles that require a deep understanding of the overall musical picture. As a musical director, Reed has overseen live performances, tours, and recording sessions, making sure that all aspects of the music come together cohesively.
Reed’s work as a musical director often involves arranging music and ensuring that each musician plays their part in service to the overall sound of the performance. His leadership in this capacity has been invaluable, particularly in gospel and R&B settings where the live performances are often complex and highly dynamic.
Education and Mentorship
Sharay Reed is passionate about passing on his knowledge to the next generation of musicians. He regularly conducts clinics, workshops, and masterclasses, where he shares insights into his technique, musical philosophy, and approach to bass playing. His lessons often focus on groove, timing, and understanding the role of the bass in a band setting.
Reed emphasizes the importance of playing with purpose and intention, encouraging students to develop a strong sense of timing and groove. He also stresses the importance of versatility, urging bassists to learn multiple styles and approaches to be able to adapt to any musical situation.
Legacy and Influence
Sharay Reed’s contributions to music, particularly in the fields of gospel, jazz, and R&B, have earned him a place among the elite bass players of his time. His technical prowess, combined with his ability to move fluidly between genres, makes him a unique and influential figure in modern music.
Beyond his impressive resume of collaborations with top artists, Reed’s influence can be seen in the countless bassists who have been inspired by his playing, whether through live performances, recordings, or his educational efforts. His work continues to inspire both established musicians and up-and-coming players who look to him as a model of versatility, groove, and musicianship.
Sharay Reed remains an active and sought-after musician, continually pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved on the bass guitar while remaining deeply rooted in the traditions that shaped him.
