Europe Jazz Network
MUSICIANS

DEWEY REDMAN
saxes

photo: Jonathan Saunders
From his first gig, in a Baptist Church, to high school and Prairie View A&M University, playing march, concert and swing music, on through various rhythm and blues and jazz groups, Dewey Redman has achieved high respect and gained prominence in the music world. Dewey left a teaching career and weekend gig for full-rime duty as a musician. Finding San Francisco with a thriving jazz community, he settled down for a while, studying, playing and gaining needed experience for the ultimate trip to New York.
Pharoah Sanders, Rafael Garrett and Monte Waters, with whom he co-led a big band, writing and arranging original music, were among many musicians he knew and worked with in San Francisco. During this period he recorded his first album, Look for the Black Star, still being sold today. After coming to New York, Dewey was re-acquainted with Ornette Coleman, an old high school friend. Coleman recognized Redman's talent, and a four year association began. While on a European tour with Coleman, Redman recorded his 2nd album Tarik (1969), named for his newborn son. Many other albums were made with Ornette.
After Coleman, Dewey was featured with Keith Jarrett's Group. Displaying his versatility and adapting to an altogether different concept, Dewey gave the trust that made Keith's group one of the top groups playing. More traveling and recording many albums with Keith gave Dewey even wider exposure and more recognition.
Dewey Redman also found time to play and record with the Jazz Composers Orchestra - albums with Carla Bley, Leroy Jenkins, Don Cherry, Roswell Rudd, Charlie Haden and others.
During the mid-70s, Dewey Redman, as a leader, also recorded two albums for ABC-Impulse: The Ear of the Behearer and Coincide. Recent albums are Playing with Old And New Dreams (both on ECM), two albums for Galaxy, Musics and Sound Sign.
Again on ECM The Struggle Continues with his present quartet. Dewey Redman is one of the most exciting artists around, and leads one of the most dynamic groups. He and his group have been well received, and critically acclaimed throughout the U.S.A. (especially New York City), Canada and Europe.
Perhaps, the key to Dewey’s artistry is his versatility. Being able to adapt, execute and communicate different styles, moods and tempos is a unique talent itself. A prime example of this is the way he plays the Musette (a small mid-east and North African instrument). The exotic sounds that come forth have garnered Dewey much praise from his peers as well as public, for his brilliant work on this instrument. Of special interest is the way Dewey uses his voice while at the same time playing the saxophone. The original concept was first expressed on his first album, (Look for the Black Star) and remains today a unique tool of his strong personal expression. Listening to Dewey Redman is hearing a consummate artist in his prime, whose message is clear, masterful and dynamic.

Biography courtesy of Saudades Tourneen

Europe Jazz Network