Joshua Redman is a jazz saxophonist from Berkeley, United States. Born in 1969, he works mainly on tenor saxophone and is associated with contemporary jazz, jazz, post-bop and soul jazz.

Background

Redman is the son of jazz saxophonist Dewey Redman. He is Black and Jewish, grows up in Berkeley, California, and graduates from Berkeley High School. He then studies at Harvard University, where he graduates summa cum laude in 1991 and is a member of Phi Beta Kappa.

Career

In 1991, Redman wins the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Saxophone Competition and begins concentrating on his music career. He records for Nonesuch Records. During the 1990s, he continues to develop as a player, starting with a sideman appearance on his father’s 1992 album Choices.

As a leader, his second album, Wish, features guitarist Pat Metheny, bassist Charlie Haden and drummer Billy Higgins. He continues to work with different quartets and later forms the trio Elastic with keyboardist Sam Yahel and drummer Brian Blade. He is also the artistic director of San Francisco’s SFJAZZ Collective.

Other work and groups

Redman appears as a guest character on an episode of the television series Arthur, where he plays Francine’s uncle and is shown in a boxing match with cellist Yo-Yo Ma.

He is linked with several groups, including Joshua Redman Elastic Band, Joshua Redman Quartet, Sam Yahel Trio, The Louisiana Gator Boys, James Farm, Yaya³, Still Dreaming, The Bob Thiele Collective, The Uptones and Trio.