Michele Rosewoman. Not a household name even within the
jazz world. She ought to be. Years ago I bought one of her CDs but apparently I
forgot about it. Having heard her live during the Healdsburg Jazz Festival tonight at the Raven Theater, I have to
wonder how I could possibly forget this very original, ferocious talent. This is
a pianist who sounds like… no one else, although at times McCoy Tyner comes to mind –she is
both percussive and lyrical at the same time, highly inventive as an
improviser, thoroughly in modern mode yet always accessible, melodicly pleasing and
rhythmically challenging, and there’s just the slightest hint of Latin. She
seems to never cross the same path twice, never content to land in a groove and
just ride the tide. Many of the compositions tonight were originals—hers or
from her highly collaborative band mates, including bassist Andy McKee, drummer
Billy Hart and special guest, trombone master Julian Priester.
Michele Rosewoman Trio with Julian Priester
Yet the standout moments came when she was
reinventing familiar standards—in a sublime duet with Priester on “In a
Sentimental Mood” and in a delightful solo deconstruction of “Body and Soul.” The Mingus
encore, however, left no doubt that this is an ensemble project, a mighty fine
collective that warrants far more attention.
All photos by Andrea Canter at the Raven Theater, June 8, 2012