My heart is heavy at the news of the passing of percussionist Steve Reid of The Rippingtons. Jeff Kashiwa posted it today on Facebook.

He was my favorite percussionist. I’ve loved The Rippingtons for many years, and so much of that love came from Steve’s percussion and the soundscapes he created. His playing had this magic that was a huge part of what made those first Rippingtons recordings so special to me.

There was this one instrument he used — I never even knew what it was called — it became his signature to me. When I heard it, I always smiled, knowing who it was. Whether it was on a Rippingtons track, his Bamboo Forest project, a solo release, whatever, Steve always brought extra color and life.

I know what I’ll be listening to tonight.