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 on February 1, 1969, is a famous American jazz musician. He plays the saxophone and also writes music. His father, Dewey Redman, was also a well-known jazz saxophonist.

Early Life and Musical Journey

Joshua Redman grew up in Berkeley, California. His mother, Renee Shedroff, was a dancer and librarian. His father, Dewey Redman, was a jazz saxophonist. Joshua was surrounded by many types of music from a young age. He learned about different sounds at the Center for World Music in Berkeley.

He started playing the clarinet when he was nine years old. 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. These included jazz legends like John Coltrane and Ornette Coleman. He also loved bands like The Beatles and Led Zeppelin.

High School and College Years

Joshua went to Berkeley High School. He was part of the school's award-winning Jazz Ensemble for all four years. After high school, he often joined jam sessions with local jazz musicians.

In 1991, Joshua graduated from Harvard University. He studied Social Studies and earned top honors. He had even been accepted into Yale Law School. However, he decided to take a year off to explore music. He moved to Brooklyn, New York, and quickly became part of the city's lively jazz scene. He played with many talented jazz artists.

Becoming a Jazz Star

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

He continued to develop his unique style throughout the 1990s. He played with famous musicians like Pat Metheny and Christian McBride. He also formed new groups. One of these was a trio called Elastic, with keyboardist Sam Yahel and drummer Brian Blade. They released music under the name Yaya3 before becoming the Joshua Redman Elastic Band.

Joshua also appeared in the 1998 movie Blues Brothers 2000. He played in a fictional band called "The Louisiana Gator Boys."

Highlights of the 2000s

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

In 2000, Joshua became the Artistic Director for SFJAZZ. This is a group that helps present jazz music. He also helped create the SFJAZZ Collective. This is a special group known for its creative members and new music.

Redman at the Aarhus Jazz Festival in 2009

Joshua has also performed many times with the band Umphrey's McGee. Their first performance together was in 2004. In 2006, he played with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra. He performed in a special piece called "Omnifenix."

In 2007, Joshua took a break from SFJAZZ to work on new projects. He released Back East, his first album without a piano. It featured different bass and drum players. His 2009 album, Compass, also continued this trio style.

Redman at Seattle's Jazz Alley in 2009

Music in the 2010s

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 an album called Walking Shadows. It featured jazz songs with an orchestra. His friend Brad Mehldau produced the album. The New York Times newspaper said it was a very beautiful album.

In December 2013, Joshua joined other jazz stars to honor Herbie Hancock at the Kennedy Center Honors. This event was shown on TV. In 2015, Joshua received another Grammy nomination for his solo on the song "Friend or Foe."

Music Albums and Recordings

Joshua Redman has released many albums throughout his career, both as a leader and with different groups. Here are some of his main studio albums:

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 on albums for many other artists. Here are some of them:

• Bob Thiele Collective, Louis Satchmo (1991)
• John Hicks, Friends Old and New (1992)
• Elvin Jones, Youngblood (1992)
• Joe Lovano, Tenor Legacy (1993)
• Paul Motian, Paul Motian and the Electric Bebop Band (1993)
• Milt Jackson, The Prophet Speaks (1994)
• Christian McBride, Gettin' to It (1995)
• Lionel Hampton, For The Love of Music (1995)
• Jonny King, Notes from the Underground (1996)
• Chick Corea, Remembering Bud Powell (1997)
• Cedar Walton, Roots (1997)
• McCoy Tyner Super Group, Prelude and Sonata (1998)
• Kurt Rosenwinkel, Deep Song (2005)
• Sam Yahel, Truth and Beauty (2007)
• Brad Mehldau, Highway Rider (2010)
• Trondheim Jazz Orchestra, Triads and More (2010)
• Ferenc Nemeth, Triumph (2012)

Awards and Recognitions

Joshua Redman has won many awards for his amazing jazz music. Here are some of his notable achievements:

See also

In Spanish: Joshua Redman para niños