Grammy® nominated artist, Alfredo Rodríguez reflects the talents of legendary jazz pianists Keith Jarrett, Thelonious Monk, and Art Tatum. Schooled in the rigorous classical conservatories of Havana, Rodríguez’s riveting artistry is informed as much by Bach and Stravinsky as it is by his Cuban and jazz roots. Discovered at the 2006 Montreux Jazz Festival by Quincy Jones, Cuban-born Alfredo Rodríguez has distinguished himself as the definition of jazz and improvisation without boundaries. He is the man behind the piano with fingers that seem to travel from one end of the world to the other, just within the span of the keys; his mastery of the art has earned him frequent appearances on prestigious stages around the world such as the Playboy Jazz Festival at the Hollywood Bowl, Montreux Jazz Festival, North Sea Jazz Festival, Jazz in Marciac, Umbria Jazz and Jazz A Vienne. Additionally, Rodríguez was nominated for a 2015 Grammy® in the category of “Best Arrangement, Instrumental or A Cappella,” for the track “Guantanamera,” from his 2014 release, The Invasion Parade.
During his first tour in China, Rodríguez was asked to work with Tan Dun, Siedah Garrett and Quincy Jones to compose the English-version of the 2010 Shanghai World Expo theme song, granting him to become the first non-Chinese artist to be bestowed this honor. Though impressive, his accomplishments are not the only defining factors of his standout success; his ability to express himself culturally by “playing stories” on the keys places him in a unique position to connect with his listeners on a more relatable and personal level. As demonstrated by the Invasion Parade, the follow-up album to his stunning debut on Mack Avenue, Sounds of Space, Rodríguez explores his memories of Cuba, the people and culture he left behind and finds his new place. Co-Produced by Quincy Jones and featuring a superb ensemble that includes bassist/vocalist Esperanza Spalding and percussionist/vocalist Pedrito Martínez, the record is comprised of nine tracks including originals by Rodríguez as well as evergreens such as “Guantanamera,” Maria Teresa Vera’s “Veinte Años,” and “Quizás, Quizás, Quizás.”
Quincy Jones expresses, “Alfredo is very special and I do not say that easily because I have been surrounded by the best musicians in the world my entire life. He is without doubt one of the best young pianists I’ve ever seen and with the enormous skills that he already possesses, his potential is limitless.” Alfredo is currently working on a new album influenced by world music, which will be released in the near future.
Quincy Jones expresses, “Alfredo is very special and I do not say that easily because I have been surrounded by the best musicians in the world my entire life. He is without doubt one of the best young pianists I’ve ever seen and with the enormous skills that he already possesses, his potential is limitless.” Alfredo is currently working on a new album influenced by world music, which will be released in the near future.