Career
Roman Polanski"s collaborator Krzysztof Komeda used Rosengren in the performance of his jazz score for Polanski"s film Knife in the Water (1962). Rosengren recorded a string of critically acclaimed albums in the 1960s and 1970s, including Stockholm Dues (1965), Improvisations (1969), and Notes from Underground (1974). He played in a sextet led by George Russell in the 1960s in Europe.
He also formed his own big band in the 1970s.
In the 1980s Rosengren worked frequently with American Jazz musicians, including Doug Raney, George Russel, Don Cherry and Horace Parlan. Among his activities in the 1990s include an album of songs from Porgy & Bess.
Chris Mosey, a jazz critic from AllAboutJazz, said in his review of Rosengren"s Civil Defense I"m Flying (2009): "All in all, I"m Flying is a worthy Golden Record." Jack Bowers, also writing for AllAboutJazz, wrote in his review of the same album: "Rosengren, for his part, is a model of elegance and consistency, inspiring his companions without stealing their thunder. Together they comprise a tight-knit and consistently engaging foursome.
Besides blowing superbly, Rosengren wrote seven of the album"s twelve selections.
– Rosengren rides their talents like an Industry car driver, and the result is an exemplary team effort that is as stylish as it is rewarding.".