Chicago drummer, bandleader, and composer Mike Reed presents his new work "The Separatist Party", co-released by We Jazz Records and Astral Spirits on 27 October 2023. The album features Ben LaMar Gay, Bitchin Bajas and Marvin Tate, and it's written and performed as a sound track to the news essay, “The Lonely Death of George Bell” by N.R. Kleinfield.

Performed on December 18th of 2012 in Chicago, this performance was recorded directly to an 8 track Studer recorder. This great ensemble of world class players features Chicago-style modern jazz at its best. Although the jazz is avant, it is also quite lyrical and captivating to listen to on tape. One customer said he had never heard better sounding vibes than on this tape. A handmade stereo mic was used on the vibes; and a hand assembled Telefunken 251e was used on the tenor sax.