Reinhardt was widely regarded as one of the most virtuosic musicians in the history of Buffalo music. A 1971 graduate of Kenmore West High School, he launched a series of groundbreaking progressive rock and jazz-fusion bands, many of them featuring his bassist brother, Tom Reinhardt.
A lifelong fan of all kinds of music, Reinhardt, a drummer, favored complex compositions that made him a legend among Buffalo musicians.
Even after a virus permanently damaged his hearing, and he was forced to perform with protective headphones guarding his remaining hearing, Reinhardt continued a vigorous performance regimen.
It was as a member of the progressive jazz-fusion ensemble Gamalon that Reinhardt reached his highest creative plateau.
The band’s self-titled 1987 debut helped to forge a worldwide cult audience for the group, and is now a highly coveted collector’s item. Reinhardt also performed with Spyro Gyra – most notably during the band’s commercial high point, 1979’s “Morning Dance” album – as well as with Willie & the Reinhardts, Ron LoCurto & the Reinhardts, and the Maelstrom Percussion Ensemble.
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