Biography of Rudresh Mahanthappa

Guggenheim fellow and Downbeat International Critics Poll Winner Rudresh Mahanthappa is one of the most innovative young musicians and composers in jazz today. Named Alto Saxophonist of the Year for 2011, 2010 and 2009 by the Jazz Journalist Association, Rudresh has incorporated the culture of his Indian ancestry and has fused myriad influences to create a truly groundbreaking artistic vision. As a performer, he leads/co-leads seven groups to critical acclaim. His most recent release Apex for Pi Recordings with alto saxophone great Bunky Green featuring Jason Moran and Jack DeJohnette was named one of top jazz releases of 2010 by NPR, JazzTimes, Village Voice, Boston Globe, LA Times, Detroit Free Press, Denver Post Jazz, and Philadelphia City Paper among many others. His previous Pi release Kinsmen featuring Carnatic saxophone legend Kadri Gopalnath (September 25, 2008) was named one of the Top Jazz CDs of 2008 by over 20 news sources including the New York Times, NPR, BBC, Boston Globe, slate.com, JazzTimes, and the Village Voice to name just a few. As a saxophonist, Mahanthappa has achieved international recognition performing regularly at jazz festivals and clubs worldwide. As a composer, Rudresh has received commission grants from the Rockefeller Foundation MAP Fund, American Composers Forum, Chamber Music America, and the New York State Council on the Arts to develop new work. Mahanthappa holds a Bachelors of Music Degree in jazz performance from Berklee College of Music and a Masters of Music degree in jazz composition from Chicago's DePaul University. Mahanthappa currently lives in New York where he is clearly regarded as an important and influential voice in the jazz world. Rudresh K. Mahanthappa uses Vandoren reeds exclusively. Mahanthappa is also a New York Foundation for the Arts Fellow.

Major Awards:
Downbeat International Critics Poll, Alto Saxophonist of the Year, 2011
Jazz Journalists Association, Alto Saxophonist of the Year, 2011
Grammy Nomination, Danilo Perez’s Providencia, 2011
Jazz Journalists Association, Alto Saxophonist of the Year, 2010
Downbeat International Critics Poll, Rising Star Jazz Artist, Rising Star Alto Saxophonist, 2009
Jazz Journalists Association, Alto Saxophonist of the Year, 2009
North American Saxophone Alliance, 1994
Jazz Saxophone Competition Finalist