Diary of a Bandstand is a venture in jazz with an interesting twist that infuses elements of hip-hop, funk and soul. The 24-year old takes on an ambitious role, displaying his compositional skills as well as his ability in hip-hop production. Growing up in Miami, FL, Darryl Reeves was initially attracted to jazz through hip-hop music. When he found the source of the jazz samples in hip-hop, it prompted him to delve deeper into jazz. He attended Jackson State University on a full scholarship, where he studied music education. Upon graduating, he moved two and a half down the road to New Orleans, LA. He completed a master's degree at the University of New Orleans where he studied with Terence Blanchard. "Darryl Reeves is one of the innovative, bright, shining stars who is about to burst onto the jazz scene with an energy and direction that is very unique," said Blanchard of Reeves. While in school, Reeves released "The Activator," a self-produced album that was featured by JazzSouth, a radio program produced by the Southern Arts Federation. Diary of a Bandstand features a reunion of former JSU students including two-time Grammy nominated Russell Gunn, bassist Rodney Jordan and drummer Lumark Gulley ( who all attended the school several years before Reeves). Also featured is critically acclaimed keyboardist Robert Glasper (Terence Blanchard, Roy Hargrove, Bilal), labelmate saxophonist Quamon Fowler and bassist Edwin Livingston (Los Hombres Calientes). The album features seven original compositions as well as "Mr.Hurt" by tenor saxophonist Gregory Tardy and "Before the Dawn," a soul ballad by Patrice Rushen. Many have already begun to spread news about the album, including Ahmir "?uestlove" Thompson, drummer of The Roots. "The Patrice jawn is craaaaaaaaaazy . . . yaaaaaow! " Thompson said of Reeves' arrangement. Personnel: Darryl Reeves - alto saxophone, drum programming Russell Gunn - trumpet Quamon Fowler - tenor saxophone Robert Glasper - piano, rhodes Rodney Jordan - acoustic bass Edwin Livingston - electric bass Lumark Gulley - drums