Representative Albums: "The Crux: Selected Solo Wind Works 1989-1992", "Solo Works: The Lumina Recordings
Biography
Multi-reedist Ned Rothenberg composes and performs on saxophones, flutes -- including shakuhachi -- and bass clarinet. Active as a solo artist and avant-garde jazz performer since (at least) the '70s, Rothenberg performed in Anthony Braxton's Creative Orchestra Music ensemble. He moved to N.Y.C. in 1978, and went on to lead Power Lines (New World) and Double Band (on the Moers label). Rothenberg is a founding member of New Winds, with flutist Robert Dick and trumpeter Herb Robertson. He performs in Sync, a group with Jerome Harris, on Intuition and has collaborated with such acclaimed creative musicians as John Zorn, Elliott Sharp, Samm Bennett, and Fred Frith. Rothenberg has spent much time in Japan, including a six-month residency during which he studied with shakuhachi masters Goro Yamaguchi and Katsuya Yokoyama, and performed his own music. He also traveled to the former Soviet Union three times from the late '80s through the mid-'90s, performing not only solo, but in a duo with Sainkho Namchylak. Rothenberg has also toured North and South America, Europe, and Asia, totalling hundreds of concerts worldwide at venues and festivals including Finland's Tampere (1992), Quebec's FIMAV (1997), and Michigan's Edgefest (1998). Rothenberg didn't slow down as the 21st century dawned, releasing several albums, including Ghost Stories and Port of Entry in 2000, Tools of the Trade in 2001, Intervals in 2002, Fell Clutch in 2006, and Inner Diaspora in 2007. ~ Joslyn Layne, All Music Guide
Ned Rothenberg (b. Boston, Massachusetts, September 15, 1956) is an American multi-instrumentalist and composer. He specializes in woodwind instruments, including the alto saxophone, clarinet, bass clarinet, flute, and shakuhachi (Japanese bamboo flute). He is particularly known for his work in new music and free improvisation, as well as for his work in expanding the vocabulary of sounds of his instruments through the use of extended techniques (for example, he has developed the ability to play chords on the saxophone). His compositions show influences from such diverse sources as contemporary classical music, jazz, rock, and world music.
Rothenberg has lived in New York City since 1978. He has recorded for the Lumina, Tzadik, New World, Axiom, Sub Rosa, Intuition, Victo, Leo, and Animul labels.