BIOGRAPHY
Renee Rosnes is recognized as of the premier jazz pianists and composers of her generation. Born in Regina, Saskatchewan, and growing up in Vancouver, British Columbia, she began classical studies at age three and was introduced to jazz during her high school years. Shortly after relocating to New York from Vancouver in 1986, she swiftly established a reputation as a major talent. She toured and recorded with many of the greatest masters, attracting international attention and building a resume that reads like a who's who of jazz, including stints with Joe Henderson, JJ Johnson, Wayne Shorter, the Carnegie Hall Jazz Band with Jon Faddis, Buster Williams, James Moody, Ron Carter and Bobby Hutcherson, among others.
Rosnes has released a series of twelve diverse recordings, nine of which are on the legendary Blue Note label. Four have garnered Juno Awards, the Canadian equivalent of a Grammy. Her most recent release is "Manhattan Rain," featuring bassist Peter Washington, drummer Bill Stewart, and several tracks with vibraphonist Steve Nelson and saxophonist Rich Perry.
From its inception in 2004 through 2009, Rosne
s held the piano chair for the SFJAZZ Collective, an all-star ensemble that featured many contemporary luminaries including saxophonists Joshua Redman, Joe Lovano, Miguel Zenon and trumpeters Nicholas Payton and Dave Douglas among others. During her tenure with the octet, Ms. Rosnes contributed six commissioned works and several original arrangements of music by Thelonious Monk, Wayne Shorter and McCoy Tyner.
Rosnes is also the host of "The Jazz Profiles," a radio interview series on CBC, featuring hour-long interviews of enlightening conversation and music with many of Canada's greatest jazz legends including Kenny Wheeler, Don Thompson, Paul Bley, PJ Perry and Terry Clarke among others.
In addition to performing with her own bands, Rosnes frequently collaborates with her husband, the acclaimed pianist Bill Charlap, in a two piano setting. In 2010, the couple released their debut album, "Double Portrait" on the Blue Note label. Downbeat magazine wrote: "The counterpoint and compatibilities are so perfectly balanced, the selections and arrangements so handsome, that 'Double Portrait' is a prize."
