Nat Reeves: New England Bass Man

Nat Reeves: New England Bass Man

Author: WPKN, Jim Motavalli August 20, 2026 Duration: 14:12

Hartford, Connecticut-based bassist Nat Reeves is best known for backing legends such as saxophonists Jackie McLean, Kenny Garrett, Benny Golson and Pharoah Sanders, but he's also been (with McLean as his mentor) a longtime professor of jazz studies at the University of Hartford's Hartt School, His own recordings are State of Emergency, Blue Ridge and Now In Time. 

Reeves has worked and recorded with saxophonists, George Coleman and Eric Alexander, trumpeters Eddie Henderson and Roy Hargrove, trombonist Steve Davis, pianists Harold Mabern, George Cables, David Hazeltine and Rick Germanson, and drummers, Jimmy Cobb, Art Taylor and Jeff “Tain” Watts, Joe Farnsworth, Lewis Nash and Eric McPherson to name a few. He also performs with jazz rising stars, including saxophonist Sarah Hanahan and pianists Caelan Cardello and Jordan Williams.

In this interview for WPKN, he talks about his career and his then-pending two-night stand at the Side Door Jazz Club in Old Lyme, Connecticut.


Tune into The Jim Motavalli Interview Podcast for a deep and engaging archive of conversations pulled from the airwaves of WPKN. Hosted by Jim Motavalli, this series moves beyond simple Q&A, offering a curated space where the voices of artists and influential figures from various fields are given room to breathe and reflect. You'll hear a compelling mix of recent discussions and carefully selected archival material, each episode serving as a time capsule of creative thought and cultural insight. The focus here is on genuine dialogue, whether Jim is speaking with a musician about their process or a thinker about their work, capturing the stories of movers and shakers in their own words. This podcast thrives on the depth and authenticity of these encounters, building a library of interviews that feel both immediate and timeless. Listen for thoughtful, meandering conversations that often uncover unexpected connections and personal histories, all guided by Jim's experienced and curious approach. It's a collection built for anyone interested in the people behind the art and the ideas that shape our world.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

The Jim Motavalli Interview Podcast
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