Renee Rosnes is a well-known jazz composer and pianist. She was born in Regina, Saskatchewan and grew up in Vancouver, British Columbia. At the age of three, she started classical studies and was introduced jazz in high school. She quickly established herself as a major talent in New York shortly after moving from Vancouver to New York in 1986. She recorded and toured with some of the most respected jazz musicians, earning international attention. Rosnes has released twelve different recordings, nine of them on the legendary Blue Note label. Four of her recordings have won Juno Awards, Canada’s equivalent to a Grammy. Her latest release, “Manhattan Rain”, features bassist Peter Washington, drummer Bill Stewart and several tracks featuring vibraphonist Steve Nelson, as well as Rich Perry, saxophonist. Rosnes was the pianist for the SFJAZZ Collective from its inception in 2004 to 2009. This all-star ensemble featured many modern luminaries, including saxophonists Joshua Redman and Joe Lovano as well as trumpeters Nicholas Payton, Dave Douglas, and Miguel Zenon. Rosnes was a member of the octet for six years and contributed several original arrangements to music by Wayne Shorter, McCoy Tyner, and Thelonious Monk. Rosnes hosts “The Jazz Profiles”, a radio interview series that airs on CBC. It features hour-long interviews with jazz legends such as Don Thompson, Kenny Wheeler and Terry Clarke. Rosnes performs with her own bands and often collaborates with Bill Charlap, the pianist. Their debut album, “Double Portrait”, was released on the Blue Note label in 2010. Downbeat magazine stated that “Double Portrait” is a winner because of its counterpoint and compatibilities. The selections and arrangements are stunning and the arrangement so well balanced. From www.reneerosnes.com
