Renee Rosnes

Biography

Renee Rosnes, born Irene Louise Rosnes on March 24, 1962, in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, is widely recognized as one of the premier jazz pianists, composers, and arrangers of her generation[2][7]. Raised in North Vancouver, British Columbia, she began classical piano lessons at age three and was introduced to jazz by her high school band director, Bob Rebagliati[2][4]. After studying classical performance at the University of Toronto, Rosnes received a Canada Council for the Arts grant in 1985, which enabled her to move to New York City and immerse herself in the vibrant jazz scene[2].

Rosnes quickly established herself in New York, joining the Blue Note Records band Out of the Blue and recording 'Spiral Staircase' in 1989[2]. She became a sought-after pianist, working with jazz legends such as Joe Henderson, Wayne Shorter, J.J. Johnson, James Moody, Bobby Hutcherson, and Ron Carter[1][2][3]. Rosnes was a founding member of the SFJAZZ Collective, touring with the ensemble for six years, and has served as music director for ARTEMIS, an international all-star band[1][3]. Her discography includes numerous acclaimed albums as both leader and collaborator, and she has won multiple Canadian Juno Awards, including her seventh in 2023 for 'Kinds of Love'[2].

Rosnes's musical style is noted for its conceptual depth, suspenseful compositions, and virtuosic performances, blending classical training with sophisticated jazz improvisation[3][5]. Her legacy is marked by her contributions as a performer, composer, and bandleader, as well as her influence on contemporary jazz through collaborations, mentorship, and her role in advancing ensemble work in groups like SFJAZZ Collective and ARTEMIS[1][2][3].

Fun Facts

• Renee Rosnes began classical piano lessons at age three and violin at age five[4].
• She was a founding member of the SFJAZZ Collective, touring with the group for six years[1][2].
• Rosnes has won seven Canadian Juno Awards, including one for her 2023 album 'Kinds of Love'[2].
• She is married to jazz pianist Bill Charlap, and together they have released a piano duet album and performed on Grammy-winning recordings[2][3].

Associated Acts

• Out of the Blue
• Renee Rosnes Quartet - original
• Gerald Wilson Orchestra - piano
• The J.J. Johnson Quintet
• Native Colours - piano
• ARTEMIS - piano
• Todd Coolman Trio - piano
• Ron Carter Foursight Quartet

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Bob Rebagliati - High school band director who introduced Rosnes to jazz (Early jazz studies and performances) [Late 1970s]
• William Aide - Classical piano teacher at University of Toronto (Classical performance studies) [Early 1980s]

Key Collaborators

• Joe Henderson - Quartet pianist and touring partner (Live performances, recordings) [1986–late 1980s]
• Wayne Shorter - Band member (Wayne Shorter Band performances) [1988]
• J.J. Johnson - Quintet pianist (J.J. Johnson Quintet recordings and tours) [1989–1997]
• James Moody - Quartet pianist (James Moody Quartet performances and recordings) [1989–2009]
• Bobby Hutcherson - Frequent collaborator (Album 'For Sentimental Reasons' (2007)) [2000s]
• Ron Carter - Member of Foursight Band (Foursight Band tours and recordings) [2012–present]
• Billy Drummond & Ray Drummond - Trio recordings as 'The Drummonds' (Japanese trio albums) [1990s–2000s]
• Bill Charlap - Piano duet partner and spouse (Album 'Double Portrait', Tony Bennett & Bill Charlap: The Silver Lining) [2007–present]
• SFJAZZ Collective - Founding member and pianist (SFJAZZ Collective albums and tours) [2004–2009]
• ARTEMIS - Music director and pianist (ARTEMIS debut album (2020)) [2019–present]

Artists Influenced

• Melissa Aldana - Bandmate in ARTEMIS, inspired by Rosnes's leadership and compositions (ARTEMIS album) [2019–present]
• Noriko Ueda - Collaborator in ARTEMIS, influenced by Rosnes's musical direction (ARTEMIS album) [2019–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. The Winter of My Discontent (Beloved of the Sky)
2. Evermore (Kinds of Love)
3. Goodbye (Art & Soul)
4. Chorinho (Double Portrait)
5. Dancing In The Dark (Double Portrait)
6. Sax Chase (In My Time)
7. Say When (Legacy)
8. Ray's Vision At The U (In My Time)
9. Double Rainbow (Choveno Na Roseira) (Double Portrait)
10. Have You Met Miss Jones? (Secret Love)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz

Tags: #hard-bop, #jazz