In the annals of 1990s jazz, few debuts carried the weight of expectation—and delivered on it as spectacularly—as Joshua Redman’s Wish. Released in 1993 on Warner Bros. Records, this album did not just introduce a saxophonist; it announced the arrival of a movement. Often dubbed the “Young Lion” of the neo-bop resurgence, Redman sidestepped mere nostalgia, forging a record that was at once deeply respectful of hard-bop tradition and electrifyingly modern.
For audiophiles and serious collectors, the Lossless FLAC version of Wish is the definitive way to experience this masterpiece. Here’s why.
Recorded at the legendary Power Station in New York City, Wish features a supergroup that any bandleader would envy:
This is not a typical quartet. Metheny’s ethereal, chorused guitar textures could have easily overpowered a young saxophonist, while Haden’s folk-tinged, singing bass lines and Higgins’ transcendent, feather-light swing created a rhythm section of telepathic grace. Yet Redman, at just 24 years old, holds his own with an authority that belies his age.
Wish went on to become one of the best-selling acoustic jazz albums of the decade. It earned Redman a Grammy nomination (Best Jazz Instrumental Performance) and solidified the quartet’s reputation as a supergroup-in-the-making. More importantly, it proved that post-bop jazz could feel fresh, urgent, and emotionally direct without electric instruments or crossover gimmicks.
Thirty years on, Wish remains a touchstone — a young band’s masterpiece, a perfect autumn night record, and a testament to the enduring power of four empathetic improvisers in a room.
If you’re seeking a legal lossless copy, services like Qobuz, Tidal, or HDtracks offer the album in FLAC format for purchase. Supporting artists ensures more music like this gets made. Joshua Redman - Wish -1993- -Lossless FLAC-
Released in 1993, is the sophomore studio album by tenor saxophonist Joshua Redman
, widely regarded as the record that cemented his status as a leading voice in contemporary jazz. Following his self-titled debut earlier that same year,
showcased a shift toward a more adventurous and "scuffed up" melodicism, largely attributed to the legendary lineup supporting him. The New York Times A Masterclass in Collaboration
The album is notable for its "supergroup" personnel, featuring three of the most influential figures in modern jazz: Pat Metheny Charlie Haden Billy Higgins
Redman described the recording as a "wish fulfilled," as he sought to create meaningful music with these three idols. The chemistry between the veteran rhythm section—who had previously collaborated extensively with Ornette Coleman—and the then-rising star Redman resulted in a project defined by "organic unity" and a collective identity. Musical Direction and Themes While his debut was rooted in melodic sure-footedness,
saw Redman exploring "Ornette-thology," a nod to the avant-garde influence of Ornette Coleman. This is evident from the opening track, Coleman's "Turnaround," which establishes a bold, interactive dynamic that persists throughout the record. Apple Music Joshua Redman – Wish (1993) – Lossless FLAC
The tracklist balances original compositions with inventive covers:
: "Soul Dance," "The Deserving Many," and the live title track "Wish". Reimagined Classics
: Redman transforms pop and soul standards into "smooth jazz with substance," including Stevie Wonder's "Make Sure You’re Sure" and a haunting jazz-noir rendition of Eric Clapton's "Tears in Heaven". Live Energy : The album concludes with two tracks recorded live at the Village Vanguard
—"Wish" and Charlie Haden’s "Blues for Pat"—capturing the group’s sensational live chemistry. www.joshuaredman.com Critical Legacy
The album opens with the title track, “Wish” — a Redman original built on a deceptively simple bluesy head. The interplay between Redman’s tenor and Mehldau’s harmonically adventurous comping immediately signals that this is no nostalgic hard-bop retread.
Highlights include:
The sole cover, “Time After Time” (the Cyndi Lauper pop hit), was a bold choice — and a genius one. Stripped of its 1980s pop sheen, reharmonized by Mehldau, and delivered with aching sincerity by Redman, it became a signature tune that helped bridge the gap between jazz purists and casual listeners.
A note on archiving: Because Wish was released in 1993, early CDs are highly sought after. The 1993 Warner Bros. 9 45366-2 pressing is considered by collectors to have superior dynamics to later remasters (which often suffer from loudness war compression).
When searching for "Joshua Redman - Wish -1993- -Lossless FLAC-" , look for these markers of a genuine rip:
Caution: Many low-quality "FLACs" online are simply upsampled MP3s. If the spectral analysis cuts off at 20kHz with a brickwall filter, it is a fake. A true CD rip of Wish has frequency content extending naturally to 22.05kHz.
Do not settle for YouTube rips or low-bitrate streaming.