Joshua Redman (born February 1, 1969) is a prominent American Neo-bop jazzsaxophonist who records for Nonesuch Records. Redman, who is both African American and Jewish American, was born in Berkeley, California, to the late jazz saxophonist Dewey Redman and his wife, Renee Shedroff. He graduated from Berkeley High School[1], class of 1986. In 1991, he graduated summa cum laude from Harvard University, where he was a member of Phi Beta Kappa Society. During college, he was called Josh Shedroff, Shedroff being his mother's maiden name. Redman won the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Saxophone Competition, also in 1991, and began focusing on his musical career. Redman continued to develop his style throughout the 1990s, beginning with a sideman appearance on his father's 1992 record Choices. On his second album as a leader, Wish, he was joined by a notable lineup consisting of guitaristPat Metheny, bassistCharlie Haden, and drummerBilly Higgins; he would later tour this album as The Joshua Redman Quartet, featuring Christian McBride in place of Charlie Haden . He continued to work with various quartets, including one with pianistBrad Mehldau until forming a new trio, Elastic, with keyboardist Sam Yahel and drummer Brian Blade. The trio debuted under the moniker Yaya3, producing one album under this name. The same group of musicians made up the core on Redman's Elastic album, before becoming known as the Joshua Redman Elastic Band. Some of his works were featured on The Weather Channel's Local On The 8s. In addition to his efforts with Elastic, Redman was the artistic director of San Francisco's SFJAZZ Collective from 2004-2007. Redman has made a guest appearance on an episode of the TV show Arthur as the uncle of Francine, one of the main characters. The episode also depicts him in a boxing match against classic cellist Yo-Yo Ma. He also appeared on Reading Rainbow, episode 127 "Hip-Cat," where Redman discussed with host Levar Burton the importance of music and how jazz had affected his life, which he followed with a live performance. Redman has also appeared on recordings and in live performances by Umphrey's McGee. [1] On his latest album, Back East, Redman paid tribute to Sonny Rollins' 1957 album Way Out West, teaming up with musicians including Brian Blade, Christian McBride, Al Jackson, Joe Lovano, and his late father.
