Biography
Even now Dennis Rowland draws his greatest recognition from his long association with the Count Basie Orchestra, yet he has devoted considerable recent energy to establishing a solo career. Early memories include repeated childhood listenings, at age five or six, to Joe Williams’ recording of “Every Day” with Count Basie, an experience that left a deep impression. In the mid-’70s he spent several years working locally in both acting and singing roles. During the final seven years of Basie’s life (1977-84) Rowland filled Williams’ chair, traveling the globe with the classic orchestra. When that tenure ended he resumed stage acting, made his home in Phoenix, Arizona, and began recording as a leader for Concord in 1995.
Seeking to move past the swing, blues, and standards catalog, his second Concord album, Get Here, introduced several R&B-inflected tracks and selections that welcomed pop and funk influences. His greatest asset nevertheless remains his swinging manner and engaging voice, qualities most vividly displayed on his third Concord release, Now Dig This, a tribute to Miles Davis.
Seeking to move past the swing, blues, and standards catalog, his second Concord album, Get Here, introduced several R&B-inflected tracks and selections that welcomed pop and funk influences. His greatest asset nevertheless remains his swinging manner and engaging voice, qualities most vividly displayed on his third Concord release, Now Dig This, a tribute to Miles Davis.
Albums
