Saxophonist/composer Joshua Redman has joined forces with the International Rescue Committee to become one of the IRC Voices, which also include Rashida Jones, John Legend, and Morena Baccarin, to use his voice to raise awareness of the needs of refugees and others who have been impacted by war and disaster.

“I've been greatly impressed with the depth of the International Rescue Committee’s devotion to human beings and the breadth of its work in defense of human dignity,” Redman said. “Everyone deserves the chance to have their basic needs met. Everyone should have the privilege to live, to learn and to dream.”

Since Redman was first introduced to the IRC, he has visited IRC programs in Northern California, where he saw firsthand how the IRC assists refugees as they begin their new lives after being given sanctuary in the United States. He has also performed at the IRC’s annual Freedom Award Dinner in New York. Continuing his work as an IRC Voice, Redman plans to travel with the IRC to Africa later this year.

“Joshua Redman is a great talent in the world of music, and we are honored that he is going to devote his passion for social justice to the mission of the IRC: ensuring that people who have been uprooted by war or natural disaster can rebuild and live their lives with dignity,” said the IRC’s president, David Miliband. “Josh played and spoke with deep emotion at the IRC's Freedom Award Dinner last fall, and we are delighted to take inspiration from him."

The IRC was founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein. Since then, the organization has enjoyed the support of many high profile artists, including Marc Chagall, Don Cheadle, George Clooney, Paul McCartney, Paul Newman, and Liv Ullmann. For more on the IRC, visit rescue.org.

Joshua Redman’s latest album, Trios Live, is due out on Nonesuch Records on June 17.