As a young and promising pianist at the Montreaux-festival in 2009, Cuban Alfredo Rodriguez garnered enthusiasm from none other than Quincy Jones. The latter immediately took Rodriguez under his mighty producer-wings.
After leaving his family and country Rodriguez released his debut-album Sounds of Space, produced in cooperation with Jones, and received great reviews. Since then the young pianist has been a sought-after name at festivals and clubs spanning the glove. Now he's ready with the long awaited second album, The Invasion Parade, and as such the stage is set for brand new material during Moldejazz.
On The Invasion Parade, as on the first album, Rodriguez combines original compositions with Latin American evergreens such as "Guantanamera" and "Quizás, Quizás, Quizás". The link to his homeland is clear, and Rodriguez himself says that he's on a continuous exploratory journey in Cuban rhythms. Percussion was actually his first choice while growing up, as he picked up the drumsticks at age seven. Then, at age 10, he played classical piano before, at age 15, jazz made an entrance into his life as he was introduced to Keith Jarret's legendary live-album The Köln Concert.
The Invasion Parade is titled after a traditional, annual carnival in Satiago de Cuba, held in memory of the Cuban liberation war.
Rodriguez has shared the stage with, among others, Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Patti Austin, and Esperanza Spalding. The latter is also set to perform at this years festival.
"Alfredo Rodriguez was educated in the rigorous classical academies of Cuba and he explores, celebrates and reinvents the music of the Cuba he left behind in 2009, creating his own vibrant musical remembrance."
Hot House Magazine - George Kanzler.
The Invasion Parade is Jorge Vistel Vistel on trumpet, Ariel Bringuez on tenor- and soprano-saxophone, Reinier Elizard on contrabass, Michel Olivera on drums and percussion, and Alfredo Rodriguez on piano.
