Influential jazz drummer Steve Reid has died in New York at the age of 66.

Reid's close friend, DJ Gilles Peterson, broke the news of his death on Twitter today, writing: “Devastated by the news that my friend drummer Steve Reid passed away last night in New York - a true inspiration who will be greatly missed.”

His latest label Domino Records confirmed that Reid died following a battle with cancer.

Reid picked up drumming at the age of 16 and, under the initial guidance of Quincy Jones, went on to work with artists including Miles Davies, James Brown, Fela Kuti and Ornette Coleman.

He was also a prolific session musician for legendary imprint Motown Records.

In more recent years, he formed a partnership with Kieran Hebden (aka Four Tet) whom he released four albums with – The Exchange Session Vol.1 & 2, Tongues and NYC – between 2006 and 2008.

In a 2008 interview with The Jazz Times, Hebden described Reid as his "musical soul mate".

(by Scott Colothan)