Born in 1956 in Boston, Ned Rothenberg graduated from Oberlin College and studied at Oberlin Conservatory, Berklee School of Music, privately with Les Scott on saxophone & clarinet, and with George Coleman for jazz improvisation. He composes and performs on saxophones, bass clarinet, flute and shakuhachi. He's lived in New York City since 1978 and is an anchor on the Downtown NY scene, in bands like Third Person, Odd Job and his own Double Band and Sync. His language on woodwinds includes polyphony, multiphonics, microtonal music, circular breathing and overtone control, not only using his horns in their standard melodic role but also as rhythmic and harmonic engines in both solo and ensemble contexts. An intense and powerful player skilled in a massive variety of genres and styles, Rothenberg has been internationally acclaimed, including a 6 month residency in Japan. His own Animul label has released work with Uchihashi Kazuhisu and Samm Bennett.