Jazz artist Joshua Redman returns to Bloomington

Many lives were tragically affected Sept. 11 becaue of the consequences of the day's terrorist attacks. One such life affected was 32-year-old saxophonist Joshua Redman. As one of the most acclaimed young artists in jazz, Redman was booked to play at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater in Bloomington the night of Sept. 11. Because of the day's events, the performance was cancelled so Redman and his band members could check on their family and friends in New York City. Redman's entire tour was crippled because of the terrorist attacks, but he is returning to the Buskirk-Chumley Saturday.\n"Out of the ashes of 9/11, Joshua Redman has created something new and creative for jazz audiences," said David Miller, the director of advertising and publicity for "Jazz from Bloomington." \nRedman was touring Sept. 11 with a group known as the "Joshua Redman Quartet," including a piano, bass, and drums in addition to his own saxophone. Saturday he will return with a brand new band of world-class artists.\nRedman, the son of jazz saxophonist Dewey Redman, graduated from Harvard and decided to pursue jazz instead of a law degree after he won the Thelonious Monk saxophone competition in 1991. He has recorded eight CDs for Warner Brothers records since 1993 and played with Chick Corea, Pat Metheny, the Rolling Stones, the Dave Matthews Band and Jewel. He also played with BB King and others in the movie "Blues Brothers 2000."\nOne of his band members is Brian Blade, a drummer who has played with such noted artists as Joni Mitchell and Herbie Hancock, in addition to recording two albums of his own. The third band member is an up and coming new artist named Sam Yahel. Yahel will play the Hammond B3 organ and the Fender Rhode piano at Saturday's performance. \nThe jazz combo of saxophone, drums, and organ has been used for decades in traditional jazz. However, Redman will put his own contemporary take on this type of sound. The audience can expect a brand new sound from his previous recordings. Although Redman's current group has recently formed, jazz enthusiasts expect great things from these well-known and respected jazz artists.\n"He's one of the greatest jazz saxophonists of our time," freshman Elisha Sauers said.\nFreshman jazz enthusiast Chris Rosen said he is excited about Redman's performance.\n"I have followed Joshua Redman's albums for years," Rosen said. "I had to miss him on Sept. 11, so I'm not missing him this time."\nThe performance will start at 8 p.m. Tickets are $22 for general admission, $20 for students and seniors, and $18 for "Jazz from Bloomington" members. All tickets add $3 at the door on the day of the show. Tickets can be purchased at Pro Winds, TD's CD's, Bloomingfoods and the Jazz from Bloomington Web site. Also, all tickets purchased for the Sept. 11 concert will be honored at the door.\nThere will also be a free clinic in improvisation at the Buskirk-Chumley Saturday from 4-5:30 p.m.