The acclaimed jazz ensemble ARTEMIS was born in 2016 when pianist Renee Rosnes first brought together a dynamic group of female musicians to celebrate International Women’s Day through live performances in Europe. Now, nearly a decade later, ARTEMIS continues to defy expectations with its third album ARBORESQUE, out now via Blue Note Records. This release solidifies the collective’s enduring legacy, showcasing their growth as musicians and their ability to transcend traditional notions of musical hierarchy and patriarchy. ARBORESQUE offers more than just innovative jazz—it celebrates the power of collaboration, creativity, and the beauty of the natural world.
“We aim to create music that is both honest and emotionally impactful,” says Rosnes, the organizing force behind the band. “The energy we share as musicians comes through in the music, and I believe it resonates with our audiences.”
ARTEMIS, voted by DownBeat readers as the "finest working jazz group" in both 2023 and 2024, consists of some of the most talented jazz musicians of their generation. The current quintet features Renee Rosnes on piano and Rhodes, Ingrid Jensen on trumpet, Nicole Glover on tenor saxophone, Noriko Ueda on bass, and Allison Miller on drums. Together, they craft a sound that is both intricate and expansive, making ARBORESQUE a testament to their chemistry and artistic vision.
The Magic of ARTEMIS: Natural Beauty and Creative Collaboration
On ARBORESQUE, the band explores the theme of nature and the environment, drawing inspiration from the world around them. The compositions reflect their deep connection to the outdoors, with the members hailing from breathtaking locales and often seeking moments of peace in nature while on tour. As Rosnes puts it, “Traveling can be challenging, but it strengthens our bond and gives us a sense of well-being.”
Each track on ARBORESQUE is a musical exploration of the natural world and human emotion. Ueda’s composition “Komorebi” takes its name from the Japanese word describing the effect of sunlight filtering through leaves, capturing a sense of optimism and vibrant interaction. Glover’s “Petrichor,” inspired by the fresh scent that follows rain, is an entrancing ballad filled with yearning and emotion. Jensen’s “Sights Unseen” features a groovy, electronic-infused melody that invites listeners to imagine the world with childlike wonder. Meanwhile, Miller’s “Little Cranberry” evokes the peaceful balance between serenity and movement, inspired by a postcard-worthy island in Maine.
Rosnes’ “Olive Branch” blends Latin jazz with modernism, inspired by a Spanish olive grove the band visited during a tour. The olive tree, a symbol of peace in many cultures, further enriches the track's meaning, adding cultural depth to the album’s thematic structure.
Homage to Jazz Legends and Musical Growth
ARBORESQUE also features three non-original tracks that hold deep personal meaning for Rosnes. She arranged Burt Bacharach and Hal David’s “What the World Needs Now Is Love,” bringing a new layer of emotion to this classic anthem of peace and unity, written in protest of the Vietnam War. The album’s opening track, “The Smile of the Snake,” was composed by the late Donald Brown, an unsung hero in jazz piano, and reflects Rosnes' long-standing admiration for him. Lastly, the group’s arrangement of Wayne Shorter’s iconic “Footprints” serves as a tribute to the late legend, whose spirit continues to inspire Rosnes and the band.
Rosnes’ deep connection to Blue Note Records is also reflected in ARBORESQUE. Over her extensive career with the label, she has collaborated with some of jazz’s most influential figures, including Bobby Hutcherson, Joe Henderson, and Wayne Shorter. It is clear that Rosnes learned not only musical lessons from these legends but also the importance of trust and freedom in a group setting—something she has embodied in her leadership of ARTEMIS.
Meet the ARTEMIS Band: A Collective of Musical Excellence
Each member of ARTEMIS brings a unique voice to the ensemble, with their collective talent creating a sound that is both powerful and nuanced. Rosnes describes trumpet player Ingrid Jensen as “a stunningly original voice on trumpet who can perfectly complement any chord with the right note.” Nicole Glover’s tenor saxophone is praised for its bold storytelling and freedom, while bassist Noriko Ueda is recognized as a virtuoso with a buoyant yet centered presence. Drummer Allison Miller anchors the group with her dynamic rhythms, bringing balance and structure to the band’s performances.
While ARTEMIS members have busy schedules as bandleaders, educators, and collaborators in other groundbreaking projects, they make time to perform together as ARTEMIS because the chemistry within the group is unparalleled. Rosnes adds, “The energy and creativity we share are too special to pass up. Playing together is an extraordinary experience.”
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