Renee Rosnes

Just a quick look at who's been on her albums and you'll know how far Rosnes has come as a pianist: Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Joe Henderson and Jack DeJohnette have all appeared on various albums. With fierce, rhythmic playing and spacious harmonies jarring on the offbeat, Rosnes' twinkling melodic style is akin to the modal style of McCoy Tyner. Along with her husband (and talented drummer) Billy Drummond, Rosnes has released a string of albums on Blue Note that are filled with excellent group interplay and an adventurous style that bridges the bluesy, swinging feel of Hard Bop and more adventurous Post Bop compositions. As a guest on other people's sessions -- from Bobby Hutcherson to Gary Thomas -- Rosnes plays with a commanding style that takes the spotlight when soloing or fades into quiet accompaniment when needed.