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rec. 1998
"Jazz has never been more in need of sinners than now, particularly on the African-American side of the faith. Jazz among the brothers has become more solemn and biblical in tone than ever before. If jazz is a religion then Josh Roseman is surely a sinner," says Greg Tate in the liner notes to this album. Roseman is known for years for his multi-stylistic work with such as Me'Shell NdegéOcello, Sheryl Crow, Cibo Matto, the Skatalites, the Roots, the Groove Collective, the Brooklyn Funk Essentials, MMW, Arto Lindsay, Steve Coleman, Charlie Hunter, Lester Bowie, David Murray, John Zorn, Muhal Richard Abrams, Roswell Rudd, Steve Turre, Dave Douglas, Uri Caine, Don Byron and Joey Baron. He has been celebrated by critics and colleagues for his "top-notch musicianship" and "powerful and eccentric presence on the trombone", "his dark-toned, J.J. Johnson-like work" and "the best trombone sound in the business." In Roswell Rudd's words: "Josh gets a big sweet sound, round and warm, plus he has the unlimited skill and imagination to really make it go places."
Now the trombone player presents "Cherry," his long-awaited first album as a leader. His band, the Josh Roseman Unit (JRU), is a free-wheeling ensemble featuring some of Josh's closest musical friends in an avant-pop style that is in the tradition of his late mentor Lester Bowie (whose Brass Fantasy and Organ Ensemble the trombonist toured and recorded with throughout the 90s). As Bowie passed away shortly after the completion of this album, "Cherry" is dedicated to the memory of both Lester Bowie and Sun Ra. Combining high-class musicianship with a comedian, almost diabolical wit, Josh and his all-star band go jazzy with songs by Led Zeppelin, the Beatles, Nirvana, Marvin Gaye, Sun Ra and others. A brilliant, heretic trip to hipsterland!
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Some other recordings by
Josh Roseman:
(Full list)
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