Dennis Rea’s guitar playing and composing blends modern jazz, creative rock, experimental music, and world musical traditions. Over the years he has led or been a key contributor to such innovative groups as Moraine, LAND, Iron Kim Style, Stackpole, Savant, Earthstar, and Tempered Steel. He has performed and/or recorded with many prominent creative musicians including acclaimed French composer Hector Zazou, Dutch jazz legend Han Bennink, trombone virtuoso Stuart Dempster, and godfather of Chinese rock Cui Jian, as well as members of King Crimson, Hawkwind, Soundgarden, Santana, Ministry, and the Sun Ra Arkestra. Past performances include NEARfest, WOMAD, Beijing International Jazz Festival, Sichuan-China International TV Festival, MuzEnergo Tour of Russia, Ustuu Huree Festival (Tuva), Voice of Nomads Festival (Buryatia), Baja Prog (Mexico), Bumbershoot, Northwest Folklife Festival, Earshot Jazz Festival, Seattle Art Museum, and Seattle Asian Art Museum. He has collaborated with many of the most important figures in contemporary Chinese music and was one of the first Western musicians to record an album for the state-owned China Record Company. He has appeared on roughly 40 releases to date.

Artist Support Program 2016: Record Giant Steppes, an album of experimental music inspired by the music of Central Asia.

Artist Support Program 2007: Views from Chicheng Precipice, an album of original compositions drawing from contemporary adaptations of traditional East Asian music.

Artist Support Program 1995: Seattle Improvised Music Festival

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