Redman, who is Black and Jewish, was born in Berkeley, California. He is the son of jazz saxophonist Dewey Redman. He is a graduate of Berkeley High School. Then in 1991 he graduated summa cum laude from Harvard University, where he was a member of Phi Beta Kappa Society.
Redman won the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Saxophone Competition the same year and began focusing on his musical career. Redman continued to develop his style through the 1990s, beginning with a sideman appearance on his father's 1992 record Choices. On his sophomore effort as a leader, Wish, he was joined by a notable lineup consisting of guitarist Pat Metheny, bassist Charlie Haden, and drummer Billy Higgins. He continued to work with various quartets until forming a new trio, Elastic, with keyboardist Sam Yahel and drummer Brian Blade.
In addition to his efforts with Elastic, he is the artistic director of San Francisco's SFJAZZ Collective, which is considered by many to be an emerging geographic and philosophic rival to the stylistically neo-classicist Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra under the direction of Wynton Marsalis.
Redman has also made a guest appearance on an episode of the TV show Arthur as the uncle of Francine, one of the main characters. The episode also depicts him in a boxing match against classical cellist Yo-Yo Ma.
Body & Soul
Joshua Redman Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
For you I sigh, for you dear only
Why haven't you seen it
I'm all for you body and soul
I spend my days in longing
And wondering why it's me you're wronging
I tell you I mean it
I can't believe it
It's hard to conceive it
That you'd turn away romance
Are you pretending
It looks like the ending
Unless I could have just one more chance to prove, dear
My life a wreck you're making
You know I'm yours for just the taking
I'd gladly surrender myself to you body and soul
My life a wreck you're making
You know I'm yours for the very taking
I'd gladly surrender myself to you body and soul
The song "Body and Soul" by Johnny Green is one of the most-performed jazz standards of all time. Joshua Redman's rendition is a melancholic interpretation of the lyrics that reflect a longing and devotion for a love interest. The opening line, "My heart is sad and lonely," sets the tone of the feeling of lamentation that carries through the ballad. The lyrics talk about the singer's unrequited love, and how they would gladly surrender themselves to their love interest, body, and soul. However, the tone changes when the singer questions the feelings of the love interest, wondering if they are merely pretending or if it is the end of the relationship.
Redman's rendition of the song is marked by his virtuosic saxophone playing, which offers a layered soundscape to the melancholic lyrics. The saxophone playing starts slow and contemplative, with Redman exploring the melody with a sad but hopeful tone. However, the pace picks up in the middle, with Redman switching to a more up-tempo playing, taking the listener on an emotional roller coaster of sadness, longing, and hope.
Line by Line Meaning
My heart is sad and lonely
I am feeling incredibly lonely and downhearted
For you I sigh, for you dear only
The only person I long for and yearn for is you
Why haven't you seen it
I am wondering why you have not noticed my feelings for you
I'm all for you body and soul
I am completely devoted to you, both emotionally and physically
I spend my days in longing
I am constantly consumed by my desire for you
And wondering why it's me you're wronging
I am confused as to why you are causing me so much pain and heartache
I tell you I mean it
I am being completely truthful and sincere when I say that I love you
I'm all for you body and soul
Once again, I am emphasizing my complete devotion to you, both physically and emotionally
I can't believe it
I am struggling to come to terms with the fact that you are rejecting my advances
It's hard to conceive it
It is difficult for me to wrap my head around the reality of the situation
That you'd turn away romance
I am surprised that you are rejecting the opportunity to be in a romantic relationship with me
Are you pretending
I am questioning whether or not you are being genuine with me
It looks like the ending
It seems as though our relationship is coming to an end
Unless I could have just one more chance to prove, dear
I am pleading with you to give me another chance to show you how deeply I care for you
My life a wreck you're making
Your rejection is causing immense distress and turmoil in my life
You know I'm yours for just the taking
I am willing to give myself entirely to you, if only you would accept me
I'd gladly surrender myself to you body and soul
Once again, I am emphasizing my willingness to give all of myself to you, both physically and emotionally
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: PAUL MICHAEL BARRY, PHIL SIMPSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind