Michele Rosewoman
Pianist, Composer, Bandleader, Educator
Pianist, Composer, Bandleader, Educator
“Rosewoman’s piano playing draws equally from the bluesy drama of Randy Weston and the ardent yet grounded freedom of Cecil Taylor…(her) music unites players with distinct personalities into a communal voice, much in the mold of Mingus or Ellington, even as she adheres to Afro Cuban traditions. It sounds bold, swinging ceremonial and formal-all at once, in many cases. The music had both stylistic swagger and spiritual heft. “
– Larry Blumenfeld, JAZZIZ
Michele Rosewoman and New Yor-Uba
"Hallowed"
The name “New Yor-Uba” pays homage to the dynamic musical journey of ancient Yoruba culture from Nigeria, through Cuba to present day New York, reflecting its contemporary manifestations. A Chamber Music America New Jazz Works Commission for her long-standing New Yor-Uba ensemble (1983 debut) supported the development of a new work; “Oru de Oro” is a rhythmic suite anchored to a sacred sequence of rhythms known as the Oru Igbodu, where 23 Orishas (deities) are endowed with Rosewoman’s distinctive musical content while displaying and integrating the mastery of featured soloists and master drummers. Featuring master folkorist / percussionist Roman Diaz, a foundational member of the ensemble since 2008, “Oru de Oro'” was recorded along with other new repertoire and “Hallowed” was released on Rosewoman’s label (Advance Dance Disques) to stellar reviews and chosen #3 NPR Latin Jazz Recording of the Year.
Reviews for 'Hallowed'
... the year’s finest spirited representation of Cuban folklorist music and jazz infused with energetic notes of the African diaspora. “Hallowed” anoints Rosewoman as a griot of Cuban folklore, who carries on the tradition of pianist and composer Randy Weston.AMSTERDAM NEWS / Ron Scott
The evolution of New Yor-Uba... a journey of slow-motion magnificence… Rosewoman’s abiding faith in these centuries-old rhythms… provides New Yor-Uba with an idiosyncratic discipline similar to Henry Threadgill’s Zooid or Steve Coleman’s Five Elements. As with those ensembles, listeners are richly rewarded by marinating in the music.JAZZTIMES
I can think of almost no other musician in recent (or, indeed, past) times who has been able to – in an original contemporary composition – make such masterful use of the sacred bàtá drums. .. Miss Rosewoman anchors herself in the ancient tradition with a view to always look forward and what a spectacular way in which to do it indeed. With this album, Hallowed, Miss Rosewoman’s music, quite simply, ascends to the rarefied realm... Truly an album to die for.Raul de Gama - Latin Jazz Network
"...one of the most impressive and innovative of [modern] jazz artists. She is both an engaging composer and a challenging pianist."
— BILLBOARD