Julian Davis Reid is a contemplative, emotionally dynamic pianist and composer. His group’s two-set performance of his new album, Vocation, will explore the relationships in his life most precious to him and will invite you to explore those most precious to you.

Band Members:
Julian Davis Reid - Piano
Runere Brooks - Bass
James Russell Sims - Drums
Tramaine Parker - Vocals

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Julian Davis Reid is a contemplative pianist and composer from Chicago who seeks our collective transformation as the new world unfolds. Julian’s compositions and performances are emotionally dynamic, drawing from the worlds of Robert Glasper, Keith Jarrett, and Herbie Hancock. Julian steadily releases and performs music under his own name—Julian Davis Reid & Circle of Trust—and with his jazz-electronic fusion group The JuJu Exchange. He has recently released his first two full-length releases: Vocation, under his own name, and BEHOLD with The JuJu Exchange.

A former member of Isaiah Collier & The Chosen Few, Julian has performed across North America and Europe at events including the Montreal Jazz Fest, Lollapalooza, and the Berlin Jazz Fest. He has also created with Jennifer Hudson, Chance the Rapper, Tank and the Bangas, Andrew Bird, Jamila Woods, Derrick Hodge, Keyon Harrold, Kenneth Whalum, Nat Reeves, and Abiodun Oyewole from The Last Poets.

An award-winning writer, Julian shares about his journey as an artist-theologian on his Substack “Julian’s Note.” He has published essays in several books, including Naming the Spirit: Pneumatology through the Arts (2025). In 2021, Julian founded a project in contemplative spirituality called Notes of Rest, which offers an integrated approach to faith, restfulness, and Black music. Julian’s work has been covered in the New York Times, Forbes, Sojourners, Billboard, and DownBeat. He lives in Chicago with his wife and daughter.