joshua redman

Biography

Joshua Redman, born February 1, 1969, in Berkeley, California, is an American jazz saxophonist and composer renowned for his dynamic artistry and innovative approach to jazz. The son of legendary saxophonist Dewey Redman and dancer Renee Shedroff, he was exposed from an early age to a wide array of musical styles, including jazz, classical, rock, soul, and world music, and began playing clarinet at age nine before switching to tenor saxophone a year later. Despite his deep love for music, Redman prioritized academics, graduating summa cum laude from Harvard College in 1991 and earning acceptance to Yale Law School, which he deferred for what he thought would be a brief hiatus.

Redman's move to Brooklyn in 1991 proved pivotal, immersing him in the vibrant New York jazz scene. Within five months, he won the prestigious Thelonious Monk International Saxophone Competition, launching his professional career. He quickly began performing and recording with jazz luminaries such as Jack DeJohnette, Charlie Haden, Elvin Jones, Joe Lovano, Pat Metheny, and his father Dewey Redman. His self-titled debut album was released in 1993, followed by the acclaimed 'Wish' and 'MoodSwing,' the latter introducing his first permanent band with Brad Mehldau, Christian McBride, and Brian Blade. Redman has since released nearly two dozen albums, led influential ensembles like the SFJAZZ Collective, and contributed to film and educational projects, solidifying his reputation as one of the most important jazz musicians of his generation.

Redman's musical style is marked by a blend of tradition and innovation, drawing on influences from jazz greats such as John Coltrane, Ornette Coleman, and Cannonball Adderley, as well as artists from other genres like The Beatles and Prince. His legacy includes not only his own recordings and performances but also his role in nurturing new talent and expanding the boundaries of contemporary jazz.

Fun Facts

• Joshua Redman was accepted to Yale Law School but chose to pursue jazz after winning the Thelonious Monk International Saxophone Competition.
• He is the founding Artistic Director of the SFJAZZ Collective, a prominent jazz ensemble known for its focus on composition.
• Redman wrote and performed the music for Louis Malle’s final film 'Vanya on 42nd Street' and appeared in Robert Altman's film 'Kansas City.'
• His early musical influences included not only jazz legends but also rock and soul artists such as The Beatles, Prince, and Earth, Wind & Fire.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Dewey Redman - Father and early musical influence, jazz saxophonist (Collaborated on Dewey Redman's album 'Choices' (1992)) [Childhood through 2006]
• John Coltrane - Stylistic influence on saxophone technique and improvisation (General influence, not direct collaboration) [Ongoing]
• Ornette Coleman - Influence on approach to jazz improvisation and composition (General influence, not direct collaboration) [Ongoing]

Key Collaborators

• Brad Mehldau - Pianist in Redman's early and later quartets (MoodSwing (1994), RoundAgain (2020), LongGone (2022)) [1994–present]
• Christian McBride - Bassist in Redman's quartet and other projects (MoodSwing (1994), RoundAgain (2020), LongGone (2022)) [1994–present]
• Brian Blade - Drummer in Redman's quartet and other projects (MoodSwing (1994), RoundAgain (2020), LongGone (2022)) [1994–present]
• Pat Metheny - Collaborator on the album 'Wish' and subsequent tour (Wish (1993)) [1993]
• SFJAZZ Collective - Founding artistic director and performer (Multiple SFJAZZ Collective recordings) [2004–present]

Artists Influenced

• Aaron Goldberg - Pianist in Redman's later quartet, developed under Redman's leadership (Beyond (2000), Passage of Time (2001)) [1998–present]
• Reuben Rogers - Bassist in Redman's later quartet, influenced by Redman's bandleading (Beyond (2000), Passage of Time (2001)) [1998–present]
• Gregory Hutchinson - Drummer in Redman's later quartet, developed with Redman's mentorship (Beyond (2000), Passage of Time (2001)) [1998–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Body & Soul (Joshua Redman)
2. Where Are You? (where are we)
3. Baltimore (where are we)
4. Borrowed Eyes
5. As This Moment Slips Away (The Bad Plus Joshua Redman)
6. The Folks Who Live on the Hill (Walking Shadows)
7. Chicago Blues (where are we)
8. You've Got A Friend In Me
9. The Nearness of You (Nearness)
10. I Got You - I Feel Good (Joshua Redman)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz

Tags: #contemporary-jazz, #jazz, #jazz-and-blues