Derek Samuel Reese is an accomplished American singer-songwriter, music producer, engineer, and multi-instrumentalist, hailing from a family rich in artistic talent in Brooklyn, New York. His notable performances include sharing the stage with iconic figures such as The Last Poets, Doug E. Fresh, Talib Kweli, Bobbi Humphrey, and comedian Paul Mooney at the National Black Theatre in 2011.
Derek's extensive musical contributions include playing drums in the studio for American artist Everlast, known for his work with the group House of Pain. He also showcased his talent on electric slide guitar for Belgian artist Selah Sue's hit song "Fade Away," recorded in the summer of 2012 at Platinum Sound studio in Manhattan with Jerry Wonda. Additionally, he opened for Serbian blues artist Ana Popovic at Mexicali Live in Teaneck, New Jersey, in 2011.
Derek's artistic lineage is significant; his father, Kevin Reese, gained recognition as the guitarist for The Magic Tramps, a pioneering glam-rock band. His mother, Carol Reese, was both an actress and an artist, known for a brief role as a dancer in Woody Allen's Zelig, as well as her creative endeavors in painting and crafting. Derek's uncle, Anthony "Ace" Pergamo, a professional drummer with The Nu Clear Energy Band, introduced him to drumming lessons at the age of three. Another uncle, Thomas Bakas, a songwriter, engineer, and multi-instrumentalist, played a crucial role in Derek's understanding of music production. Bakas, involved in various local NYC bands such as The Andrea True Connection and The Harlots, taught Derek the intricacies of recording music and gifted him his first electric guitar.
Derek's musical journey began early; by age four, he was taking private lessons in drums with Charlie Davidman in NYC and classical piano with Elissa Kahn, alongside local art classes. He also participated in school plays and community theater. A close family friend and mentor, Mark Lineberry, provided Derek with opportunities to record his original music at his professional studio in Manhattan. After recognizing Derek's talent on guitar, Lineberry invited him to join his band, HeadCleaner, where they recorded an album and toured New England.
Derek's professional music career commenced at the age of seven with his first band, Broken Rules, a punk group formed by singer and bandleader Michael Shaner, who later became an actor. Within a year, Derek joined Big Boys, another band formed by John Pergamo, where he played drums and vocals and recorded his first single, "Big Boy." This led to performances at notable venues such as Limelight, A7, The Palladium, and CBGB's. He also played drums for Stoned Soul, a Brooklyn-based band, and collaborated with the group Lordz Of Brooklyn.
In the 1990s, Derek co-founded the band NO-1-U-NO with Byron Moore, where they caught the attention of music industry veteran Steve Nathanson, former GM of Better Place Records. They recorded at BKB, Whitney Houston's personal studio, and Derek performed at Whitney's thirty-fifth birthday party at the China Club in NYC. The collaboration with Byron, whose vocal talents complemented Derek's guitar playing, led to a lasting friendship and musical partnership.
Building on his early success, Derek established his own recording studio, enabling him to compose and produce his original music. His self-titled debut album, "Derek Reese," showcases his dedication as he played all instruments and engineered every track, reflecting his passion for music. Over the years, he has embarked on various acoustic projects, notably forming a lasting musical relationship with NYC drummer, percussionist, and composer Mal Stein. Their collaboration has taken them across the United States and Europe, with Stein's percussive style adding an organic touch to Derek's work.
Derek's influences span from rock legends like Jimi Hendrix and Eddie Van Halen to R&B icons such as Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye. He expresses gratitude to his grandmother, who introduced him to the music of Art Tatum, Dizzy Gillespie, and Ella Fitzgerald during his teenage years. Derek is a member of The American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP), and his debut album is published by Three Masked Men Publishing. Photography for his work has been provided by Franziska Lewis.
