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Heidi RodewaldAmerican multi-instrumentalist
Country:
 USA |
Content:
- Biography of Heidi Rodewald
- Collaboration with 'The Negro Problem'
- Contribution to Stew's Musical Projects
- Work on 'Passing Strange'
- Current Projects
Biography of Heidi Rodewald
Early Life and Musical CareerHeidi Rodewald, an American multi-instrumentalist, was born in Pomona, California. In her youth, she played in various orchestras but was eventually drawn to rock music. In the 1980s, Heidi participated in several concert tours and gained visibility on MTV as the lead vocalist of the band 'Wednesday Week', where she recorded songs such as 'Why' and 'Missionary'.
Collaboration with 'The Negro Problem'
For nearly a decade, Rodewald served as a performer, arranger, producer, and composer for the critically acclaimed pop-rock group 'The Negro Problem'. This group was formed by singer and playwright Mark Stewart, who is better known by his stage name Stew. Heidi's multi-instrumental skills had a significant influence on the selection of musical material for 'The Negro Problem', and her oboe playing and working methods laid the foundation for the group's distinctive sound. She also co-wrote songs for the band, including the notable track 'Watering Hole'.
Contribution to Stew's Musical Projects
Heidi's voice has become an integral part of the worlds created by playwright Stew. Going beyond the role of a simple backing vocalist, Rodewald has given her voice to female characters who populate Stew's narrative songs. Alongside Mark, the Pomona native became a co-author of the screenplay for the project 'We Can See Today'. More recently, Heidi composed the music for another project, 'Portraits: Night and Day', with Karen Kandel.
Work on 'Passing Strange'
For the musical production 'Passing Strange', Rodewald served as a composer, one of the musical directors, and was responsible for the bass, keyboards, and vocals. This musical tells the story of a bohemian African-American woman who travels to Europe in search of the "real life" and discovers a world of sex, drugs, rock 'n' roll, and revolutionary art. The production was nominated for nine Tony Awards and won one for Best Book. In 2009, the play was adapted into a film by Spike Lee.
Current Projects
Currently, Heidi Rodewald is completing work on her first solo album, which is co-produced by Mark.
