Island Jazz Drummer Rufus Reader Releases Debut EP

Isle of Wight drummer Rufus Reader has released his debut EP whilst studying jazz at university in Birmingham.

Stepping Out is available to stream now and is a collection of compositions by Rufus Reader, put together since starting at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire in 2024.

Reflecting the ideas and feelings he’s had throughout his time off the Island, the tracks feature thoughts on joy, love, energy, politics, and peace.

Speaking about the EP, Rufus said:

“I’m immensely grateful to everyone I had alongside me on this recording for trusting my ideas and for being so open to playing my music.

"I’m excited to have some of my music out in the world, and I’m looking forward to writing more!”

Joining Rufus on the recordings are Dave Sear (Trombone), RJ Gilbert (Alto Saxophone), Jude Bloor (Piano) and Casper Hamilton (Double Bass).

Recorded in February, Stepping Out was engineered and produced by Matthew O'Malley.

Before taking to the jazz scene, Rufus was the drummer for Isle of Wight punk duo The Pill, who recently announced they would no longer be an active band.

Since moving to Birmingham, Rufus has performed with the Midlands Youth Jazz Orchestra and co-runs Upstairs at Cherry Red’s Jazz Night in Birmingham city centre.

Rufus will next perform on the Isle of Wight at Monkton Arts on Wednesday, April 1.

He’ll be joined at the Ryde venue by Birmingham trombonist George Farrell and Island musicians Jon Thorne (bass) and Tom Hendy (piano).