Joshua Redman facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Joshua Redman
Redman at the Kongsberg Jazzfestival in 2017
Background information
Birth name	Joshua Redman Shedroff
Born	(1969-02-01) February 1, 1969 (age 56) Berkeley, California
Genres	Jazz
Occupation(s)	Musician, composer
Instruments	Tenor, alto and soprano saxophones, keyboards
Labels	Blue Note
Associated acts	James Farm, Brad Mehldau, The Bad Plus, Umphrey's McGee, Soulive

Joshua Redman (born February 1, 1969) is an American jazz saxophonist and composer. He is the son of famous jazz saxophonist Dewey Redman (1931–2006). Joshua is known for his amazing talent on the saxophone and for creating new and exciting jazz music.

Early Life and Musical Journey

Joshua Redman was born in Berkeley, California. His father, Dewey Redman, was a jazz saxophonist, and his mother, Renee Shedroff, was a dancer and librarian. Joshua grew up surrounded by many different kinds of music. He learned about music and how to improvise (make up music on the spot) from a young age.

He started playing the clarinet when he was nine. A year later, he switched to the tenor saxophone, which became his main instrument. Joshua taught himself how to play the saxophone. He was inspired by many great musicians like John Coltrane, Ornette Coleman, and his own father, Dewey Redman. He also loved music from bands like The Beatles, Earth, Wind and Fire, and Led Zeppelin.

Joshua went to Berkeley High School. He was part of their award-winning Jazz Ensemble for all four years. After high school, he often joined jam sessions with other musicians in the Bay Area.

College and Start of a Career

In 1991, Joshua graduated with top honors from Harvard University. He studied Social Studies there. He was even accepted into Yale Law School, but he decided to take a year off to explore music.

He moved to Brooklyn, New York, with some friends. Soon, he found himself playing music with many talented jazz musicians in New York City. He played with artists like Brad Mehldau, Christian McBride, and Pat Metheny.

In 1991, Joshua won the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Saxophone Competition. This big win helped him decide to focus completely on his music career. He signed with Warner Bros. Records and released his first album, Joshua Redman, in 1993. This album even earned him his first Grammy nomination!

He continued to develop his unique style throughout the 1990s. He played with his father, Dewey Redman, on his 1992 album Choices. For his second album, Wish, he played with famous musicians like Pat Metheny and Charlie Haden. This group then toured as The Joshua Redman Quartet. Later, he formed a new trio called Elastic with keyboardist Sam Yahel and drummer Brian Blade.

Music in the 2000s

In 1999, Joshua Redman even appeared on the children's TV show Arthur on PBS. In the episode, people thought he might fight with cellist Yo-Yo Ma. But instead, they became friends and played music together for the children.

In 2000, Joshua became the Artistic Director for SFJAZZ, a group that presents jazz music. He also helped start the SFJAZZ Collective, a group known for its creative members and focus on new compositions.

Redman at the Aarhus Jazz Festival in 2009

Joshua has also collaborated with the band Umphrey's McGee many times since 2004. They even played an all-improvised show together in 2016.

In 2006, he performed with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra. He played in a special piece called "Omnifenix," which was a concerto for saxophone and drumkit. This recording won "Best Classical Album" in the New Zealand music awards in 2007.

Redman at Seattle's Jazz Alley in 2009

In 2007, Joshua took a break from his role at SFJAZZ to work on new projects. He released Back East, his first album with just a saxophone, bass, and drums. His 2009 album, Compass, also featured this trio style, and some songs even had two basses and two drummers!

Music in the 2010s and Beyond

Around 2009, Joshua started a new band called James Farm. It included pianist Aaron Parks, bassist Matt Penman, and drummer Eric Harland. They released their first album in 2011 and a second one in 2014.

In 2013, Joshua released Walking Shadows. This album featured beautiful old and new songs played by a jazz quartet and an orchestra. His friend Brad Mehldau produced the album. The New York Times newspaper said it was one of the most beautiful and lyrical works of his career.

In 2013, Joshua joined other jazz stars to honor Herbie Hancock at the Kennedy Center Honors. This special event was shown on TV.

In 2015, Joshua received his third Grammy nomination for his solo on the song "Friend or Foe" from the album The Bad Plus Joshua Redman.

Joshua Redman has played and recorded with many famous musicians. These include Dave Brubeck, Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock, B.B. King, Yo Yo Ma, The Rolling Stones, and Stevie Wonder. He continues to be a very important and respected jazz musician.

Discography

Studio Albums

As Lead Artist

As Joshua Redman Quartet

As Joshua Redman Elastic Band

With James Farm

With Yaya³

As Featured Artist

Live Albums

As Lead Artist

As Joshua Redman Quartet

As Sideman

Joshua Redman has also played as a sideman (a supporting musician) on many albums for other artists, including:

• John Hicks, Friends Old and New (1992)
• Elvin Jones, Youngblood (1992)
• Joe Lovano, Tenor Legacy (1993)
• Chick Corea, Remembering Bud Powell (1997)
• Brad Mehldau, Highway Rider (2010)

Awards and Recognitions

Joshua Redman has won many awards for his incredible talent:

See also

In Spanish: Joshua Redman para niños