Michele Rosewoman (born March 19, 1953) is an American jazz pianist who leads the big band New Yor-Uba. She has worked with Baikida Carroll, Julius Hemphill, Julian Priester, Oliver Lake, Billy Bang, Freddie Waits, Rufus Reid, Billy Hart, Reggie Workman, Celia Cruz, Chocolate Armenteros, and Paquito D'Rivera.
Early years Rosewoman was born in Oakland, California, United States, and is the daughter of visual artist Estera Roseman. Her parents operated an independent record shop in Walnut Creek, California, and her mother was also an arts educator. Rosewoman began playing the piano at age six. In her late teens she studied Cuban and Haitian folkloric rhythms and vocal traditions.
Discography As leader The Source (Soul Note, 1984) – quartet with Baikida Carroll, Roberto Miranda and Pheeroan akLaff Occasion to Rise (Evidence, 1993) – trio with Rufus Reid and Ralph Peterson Spirit (Blue Note, 1996) – trio with Kenny Davis and Gene Jackson
As a member Quintessence Quintessence (Enja, 1987), with Greg Osby, Steve Coleman, Lonnie Plaxico and Cecil Brooks III Contrast High (Enja, 1988), Gary Thomas replaces Steve Coleman Harvest (Enja, 1993), Gary Thomas, Steve Wilson, Kenny Davis and Gene Jackson Guardians of the Light (Enja, 2000), Craig Handy replaces Gary Thomas The In Side Out (Advance Dance Disques, 2006), Miguel Zenón, Mark Shim, David Fiuczynski, Brad Jones, Derrek Phillips and Pedro Pablo Martinez
New Yor-Uba New Yor-Uba, 30 Years: A Musical Celebration of Cuba in America (Advance Dance Disques, 2013) Hallowed (Advance Dance Disques, 2019)
As sideman Billy Bang, Rainbow Gladiator (Soul Note, 1981) Oliver Lake, Otherside (Gramavision, 1988) Andy Laster, Hippo Stomp (Sound Aspects, 1989) Greg Osby, Greg Osby and Sound Theatre (JMT, 1987) Ralph Peterson, Art (Blue Note, 1993)
References
External links Jazz pianist, composer and educator Michele Rosewoman, leader of Quintessence and New Yor-Uba Official Homepage Michele Rosewoman | Jazz from New York, NY Michele Rosewoman | Listen and Stream Free Music, Albums, New Releases, Photos, Videos
Sources Carr, Ian; Fairweather, Digby; Priestley, Brian. Jazz: The Rough Guide, 1995, The Rough Guides, . Cook, Richard, Jazz Encyclopedia. Penguin 2005,