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Dennis Rowland

Dennis Rowland is beloved by jazz devotees and theatergoers around the globe.

The Detroit native and Phoenix, Arizona resident was the voice of the world-renowned Count Basie Orchestra between 1977 and 1984, where he shared the stage with Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Joe Williams and Tony Bennett. He is also featured on the Basie Band’s Grammy award-winning record "On the Road".

An electrifying live performer, Rowland's musical tours in recent years have taken him to Germany, Russia, England, Spain, Portugal, Scandinavia, the Czech Republic and Croatia. Stateside, he has performed at major jazz festivals, with the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, and at metropolitan Phoenix-area jazz clubs and performing arts venues.

Rowland is also well-known to theatergoers in his home state, appearing in Arizona Theatre Company productions of "Blue" (with Leslie Uggams), "Little Shop of Horrors" and "Blues in the Night" and Phoenix Theatre productions of "Chicago" and "Once on This Island" among others. In 2007, he was inducted into the Herberger Theater Center Hall of Fame for his contributions to the performing arts.

A Concord Records artist, Rowland's CDs include "Rhyme, Rhythm & Reason", "Get Here" and "Now Dig This" a celebration of '50s and early '60s Miles Davis music. Other recordings include the inaugural project "Blonde" for the Playboy Jazz label, Joe Sample’s "Sample This" and Frank Foster’s Loud Minority Band recording "We Do It Diff'rent".

Rowland has been a Phoenix resident since 1987. He is married to Sydney Blaine, an Emmy award-winning writer/producer.

In December 2012, Rowland suffered a near fatal stroke and cerebral hemorrhage, which severely impacted his ability to sing, to work and to express himself consistently. With ongoing therapy, he continues to improve. He is fully committed to returning to the stage, the classroom and the career he loves (performing and music education).


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5
Live Review

Dennis Rowland Benefit Concert at the Herberger Theater Center

Read "Dennis Rowland Benefit Concert at the Herberger Theater Center" reviewed by Patricia Myers


Dennis Rowland Benefit Concert Herberger Theater CenterPhoenix, AZ November 6, 2013 Monica Mancini headlined a troupe of national and local musicians to perform a benefit concert for former Count Basie Orchestra vocalist Dennis Rowland, raising funds for his stroke rehabilitation and ongoing health care. Nine singers and a dozen instrumentalists delivered a wide repertoire that reflected Rowland's 40-year musical career, from singing jazz with the Count Basie Orchestra (1977-84) to blues, soul and Motown styles. ...

145
Album Review

Dennis Rowland: Now Dig This!: A Vocal Celebration Of Miles Davis

Read "Now Dig This!: A Vocal Celebration Of Miles Davis" reviewed by AAJ Staff


When a jazz artist announces that he/she is doing a Miles Davis tribute, the question is, “Which Miles? The cool Miles? Modal Miles? Fusion Miles?" On Now Dig This!, singer Dennis Rowland's primary emphasis is on Miles in the late '50s, when the trumpeter was recording a great deal of standards. In fact, Rowland embraces only two Davis originals on this absorbing effort ("All Blues" and “Pfrancing"), and he devotes a lot more time to standards Davis recorded (including “Someday ...

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1

Performance / Tour

Live Jazz Concerts Return To The Nash In June 2021

Live Jazz Concerts Return To The Nash In June 2021

Source: Laura Schairer

Beginning in June, live jazz concerts will resume at The Nash, the leading jazz club and educational center in Phoenix. Dennis Rowland and Diana Lee will be the first concert held at the venue, after over 14 months of closure. Concerts are scheduled throughout the month with tickets on sale at thenash.org. Friday and Saturday concerts will have two performances at 7 PM and 9 PM, with Sunday matinees at 3 pm. Sign up for The Nash mailing list to ...

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Event

Sweetheart Sunday with Dennis Rowland and the Extreme Decibel Big Band Orchestra

Sweetheart Sunday with Dennis Rowland and the Extreme Decibel Big Band Orchestra

Source: Michael Ricci

Scottsdale, AZ -- This incredible event is the perfect opportunity to treat your sweetheart to an enchanting evening. Dennis Rowland is an explosive performer who is said to bring with him the stage performers ability to convey intimacy in even the most immense of settings. Join us this Valentine's Day for a champagne toast and a succulent 4 course dinner with entertainment as well. Dance the night away and then rest your head in luxurious accommodations. The menu for the ...

120

Interview

Back from Russia, Rowland's Voice is Still Going Strong

Back from Russia, Rowland's Voice is Still Going Strong

Source: Michael Ricci

By Kellie Hwang, for The Arizona Republic Local jazz singer Dennis Rowland has a bit of a cough. And no one could blame the Valley legend, who just returned from Russia following a tour of Asia and Europe. Of course, a little cold never stopped the jazz veteran, who is preparing for a special show called “Motown Magic" with a 20-piece band at Arizona Broadway Theatre Oct. 19. ...

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