Bill Charlap and Renee Rosnes – Midtown Arts Common

Midday Jazz Midtown is an ongoing jazz program for the midtown community. Concerts take place in the Sanctuary of Saint Peter's Church and are presented by Midtown Arts Common in cooperation with Saint Peter's Church. Ronny Whyte is the producer.

Wednesdays, 1:00 P.M - 2:00 P.M.

A suggested $10.00 donation to offset production costs may be given at the door.

About the musicians

One of the world’s premier jazz pianists, Bill Charlap has performed and recorded with many leading artists of our time, ranging from jazz masters Phil Woods and Wynton Marsalis to singers Tony Bennett and Barbra Streisand. Since 1997, he has led the Bill Charlap Trio with bassist Peter Washington and drummer Kenny Washington, now recognized as one of the leading groups in jazz. Charlap is the artistic director of 92Y's Jazz in July Festival in NYC, and in 2014 will celebrate his 10th Anniversary as director. He has also produced concerts for Jazz at Lincoln Center, the JVC Jazz Festival and the Hollywood Bowl. A two-time Grammy nominee, Charlap is married to

renowned jazz pianist Renee Rosnes. Charlap and Rosnes recently released their debut duo recording, Double Portrait on the Blue Note label.

Canadian born, Renee Rosnes is one of the premier pianists and composers of her generation. Shortly after relocating from Vancouver to New York in 1986, Rosnes quickly established a reputation as a major talent. She has recorded and toured with a veritable "who's who" of jazz, being the pianist of choice for such legendary musicians as Joe Henderson, Wayne Shorter, JJ Johnson, Buster Williams and Bobby Hutcherson. In 1989, James Moody hired Renee for his quartet, and she remained a member of his band until his passing in 2010.

Aside from leading her own bands, Rosnes is currently a member of bassist Ron Carter's Foursight Quartet. Rosnes also frequently performs with her husband, acclaimed pianist Bill Charlap, and the couple released their first duo recording in 2010, Double Portrait (Blue Note). Downbeat wrote: "The counterpoint and compatibilities are so perfectly balanced, the selections and arrangements so handsome, that Double Portrait is a prize."