MICHELE ROSEWOMAN AND QUINTESSENCE

Michele Rosewoman’s ensemble Quintessence first emerged in 1986 with a commanding debut at Cooper Union’s Great Hall in New York City. Their eponymous recording for Enja Records, Quintessence (1987), was immediately celebrated by critics and polls as among the year’s best jazz releases, and over time has been cited as one of the standout jazz recordings of the decade.

Over the next two decades, the group released five highly acclaimed albums—culminating in “The In Side Out” (2006) that charted Rosewoman’s artistic evolution, blending modern jazz with the avant-garde and Afro-Cuban folkloric spiritual elements. These recordings have become touchstones in contemporary jazz, notable for their compositional strength, rhythmic inventiveness, and deep sense of ensemble conversation. Rosewoman says "I am drawn to conversational and energy-inspired musical explorations where the sophisticated and the spiritual intersect and where swing, groove and abstract strike a balance. From there, the music seems to have a surprising way of connecting authentically with the listener."

She has consistently assembled dynamic bands and nurtured talent, enabling the ensemble to evolve while remaining true to its distinctive sound. A fearless bandleader and mentor, she has brought together some of the most creative voices in contemporary jazz. Past and current ensemble members include Terri Lyne Carrington (drums), Steve Coleman (alto

saxophone), Kenny Davis (bass), Gene Jackson (drums), Brad Jones (bass), Greg Osby (alto/soprano saxophones), Lonnie Plaxico (bass), David Sanchez (tenor saxophone), Tyshawn Sorey (drums), Gary Thomas (tenor and flute), Steve Wilson and Miguel Zenon (alto/soprano saxophones), among others.

In 2026, Rosewoman brings Quintessence back in a renewed form—a rebirth of this long-standing ensemble rooted in her legacy but energized by new voices. Under her visionary leadership and spirit of mentorship, she reunites veteran members (including saxophonist Greg Osby, bassist Lonnie Plaxico and drummer Tyshawn Sorey) with some of today’s young creative

artists, each contributing to a new repertoire of recent and unrecorded compositions by Rosewoman. The ensemble celebrates both the reunion of its core and an expansion outward, reflecting the ongoing evolution of jazz and its dialogue with tradition, innovation, and identity.

Ms. Rosewoman’s acclaimed Quintessence projects have enjoyed the support of coveted awards and grants including numerous Chamber Music America New Works Creation and Presentation Commissions (2015, 2008, 2006, 2003), a CMA Community Projects grant in partnership with the Newark Office of Visual and Performing Arts; and a CMA-sponsored

Residency Partnership in conjunction with A.R.T.S. Inc. Quintessence presentations at major jazz destinations include the Chicago, Ravinia, Toronto Vancouver, Leverkuzen, KOOL, Earshot and Vision NYC jazz festivals; Merkin and Cooper Union concert halls; New York University, University of Massachusetts/Amherst, Augusta University and the University of

Pennsylvania; The Blue Note, Birdland The Jazz Standard and Sweet Basil, NY, Yoshi's, Oakland CA, Jazz Bakery, Los Angeles and The Outpost, Albuquerque NM; among many others. Writer and jazz critic Howard Mandel states " Michele Rosewoman is a distinctively original and engaging pianist/composer,

whose ensemble Quintessence has introduced her music and the contributions of many later-established star

instrumentalists... Rosewoman has kept the faith with the jazz imperative to come up with fresh ideas while maintaining

connection with traditions and remaining always interactive. Quintessence swings polyrhythmically and swirls melodically--

Rosewoman at the keyboard always central to its success."

"Brilliant writing and fluid ensemble playing abound." KEYBOARD

"With delicate beauty and intensity, Michele's music bends the borders of cultures, not just notes. ...She has picked up a

variety of torches and created a bonfire." JAZZ IZ MAGAZINE

“As Michele Rosewoman and her Quintessence project evolve, the music continually reflects all the influences that have

shaped this most intriguing composer and pianist. These players manage to get down and take it out at the same time.

Rosewoman is a propulsive bandleader and guides the listeners and the players on a most seductive journey... the players

show a true love for the groove and the music, as Rosewoman has done throughout her career and now on this terrific

recording. ALL ABOUT JAZZ NEW YORK

--updated March 2026-