Joshua Redman’s name resonates deeply in the jazz world as both a gifted improvisor and a profound thinker on the nature and meaning of music.

Born into a rich artistic lineage, (his father the legendary saxophonist Dewey Redman, and his mother Renee Shedroff, a professional dancer and librarian) Redman’s childhood was steeped in both music and the written word. That influence is evident in the remarkable path he’s carved, blending intellect and emotion into a sound that is unmistakably his own.

After graduating summa cum laude from Harvard University and deferring his acceptance to Yale Law School, Redman moved to New York City, immersing himself once again in the world of the arts. Gigging with some of the finest musicians of a generation - Elvin Jones, Joe Lovano, Dewey Redman, and Clark Terry, to name a few - he found himself at the epicenter of the city’s thriving jazz scene. It was there that a true calling began to emerge.

In 1991, encouraged by friends, Redman entered and won the prestigious Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz International Competition, widely regarded as the most esteemed jazz contest in the world. The industry quickly took notice.

Soon after, he signed with Warner Bros. Records and, within two years, released his debut album, earning him a Grammy nomination—the first of ten across his distinguished career.

Throughout the 1990s, Redman continued to refine his sound and style, releasing a string of acclaimed albums, including Wish (1993), which topped the Billboard Traditional Jazz Albums chart, Spirit of the Moment (1995), and Freedom in the Groove (1996), showcasing his evolving command of jazz tradition and modern innovation.

His collaborations read like a who's who of musical legends: Stevie Wonder, The Rolling Stones, Herbie Hancock, Quincy Jones, and Pat Metheny among many others. A true testament to his versatility and wide respect among peers.

Renowned within the industry for his near prescient ability to assemble talent, Redman’s 1994 album MoodSwing featured an early lineup with pianist Brad Mehldau, bassist Christian McBride, and drummer Brian Blade—artists who would go on to shape the future of jazz.

Redman's creative reach extends beyond the stage and studio. His music has been featured in film and television, broadening his impact on the cultural landscape. Notably, he composed the original score for Louis Malle’s Vanya on 42nd Street (1994), contributed to Clint Eastwood’s cinematic masterpiece Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil (1997), and appeared in Ken Burns’ documentary series Jazz (2000–01).

In 1997, he brought his love of jazz to a new generation when he was featured on the beloved children’s show Reading Rainbow, and in 1999 when he voiced the character Uncle Josh on PBS’s Arthur, alongside cellist Yo-Yo Ma.

Yet Redman's legacy extends far beyond his recordings and performances. His role as mentor and educator is emerging as one of his most defining contributions to the music world.

As a founding member and artistic director of the SFJazz Collective (2000–2007), Redman helped shape the group’s mission: to honor the roots of jazz in African American history and the African diaspora, while inspiring new audiences worldwide, though its unique emphasis on composition.

In 2019, he joined Stanford University as an educator, where he introduced students to jazz not just as a style of music, but as a way of thinking. Eschewing conventional teaching methods, Redman encourages exploration and personal expression. All while respecting the deep traditions and complex structures that have shaped the genre.

With a career spanning over three decades, Joshua Redman remains a vital force in contemporary jazz. A bridge between tradition and innovation, performance and mentorship, intellect and emotion. His music continues to invite listeners into a world where every note tells a story and every performance becomes a shared moment of human connection.