Bio

“Take any opportunity that presents itself to hear Roswell Rudd." –The Village Voice Shortlist May 12, 2004

Roswell Rudd, 1935, aka THE INCREDIBLE HONK, is a musical wiz if ever a wiz there was.

His musical range has expressed itself in extraordinary musical collaborations and subsequent recordings with musicians from Mali (Toumani Diabate), Mongolia (Buryat Band), the great Puerto Rican cuatrista Yomo Toro, and the brilliant Cuban guitarist/singer David Oquendo. He has performed and recorded with all of the bands performing at this unique musical event.

In 2,000 he was awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship in composition. In August 2010 he was voted #1 in the Downbeat Critics Poll. In 2003, 2004, 2005, 2009 and 2010 he was voted Trombonist of the Year by the Jazz Journalists Association.

ROSWELL RUDD (trombone), is proudly of the tradition that has given us such jazz trombone greats as Jack Teagarden , Kid Ory, J.J. Johnson, and Joseph Nanton.  One of the most imaginative, stimulating players, Rudd is known for his work with groundbreaking groups and musicians like Herbie Nichols, the NEW YORK ART QUARTET, Cecil Taylor, Archie Shepp, Carla Bley, and Steve Lacy.

His trailblazing on the trombone has influenced an entire generation of trombonists who hear his extroverted gut bucket stylings as the modern incarnation of the New Orleans style. He has equally a passionate lyricism in the tradition of American folk songs and ballads.

Roswell Rudd has received international recognition as a performer,  and  for his compositions  and arrangements ranging from large scale music dramas to instrumental jazz suites.  His jazz operas BLUES FOR PLANET EARTH and GOLD RUSH have achieved cult status from their performances in the 1960’s. 

From 1999 until his death in 2017 were his Soundscape years marked by his collaboration with Verna Gillis. 

Rudd is  one of the  giants. His active playing force is to be greatly welcomed, with his larger-than-life individualism.

For complete discography and more information 
www.roswellrudd.com

NYTimes Article

Roswell Rudd – Musical Magus Turns 75