Hybrid Jazz From Trish Hennessey - with Alfredo Rodriguez!

In his mid-20's, Alfredo Rodriguez has already experienced a lot of "it's a wonderful life" in his living.  His Dad of the same has been a popular singer and TV star in his native Cuba - and Alfredo's early musical training enabled him to play with the show band.  At age 14!

That daily television experience taught Alfredo all kinds of life-changing lessons: how to play with different artists and what kinds of music there was TO play.  Combined with his classical training at the Conservatory, he was able to put his own signature on his developing piano style. 

What we have with his debut, "Sounds of Space", is just that - a nod to the masters who initially thrilled him on piano (including Bud Powell) - and the sounds he has heard from the streets of Havana to the hills of California, where he now calls home.  All of the people, places and SOUNDS that have helped to shape Alfredo's musical vision.

In 2006, our guest was asked to play at the Montreux Jazz Festival.  So great an impact was his playing during that time, that Quincy Jones expressed an interest in working with Alfredo.  It took some time, but it came to pass that Q became the co-producer of "Sounds of Space" - 11 original songs, composed and arranged by Alfredo. 

On the website below, you will find this quote by Quincy about Alfredo: "One of the most prolific and gifted Jazz pianists in the 21st century."

When you hear the music on Tuesday, the 11th of December, you will be inclined to agree :)

www.alfredomusic.com