Alfredo Rodríguez at Monterey Jazz Festival, September, 2009

SOUNDS OF SPACE - NEW CD BY ALFREDO RODRÍGUEZ

There is no shortage of great Cuban piano players in both dance music and jazz.  So when I heard American music producer legend Quincy Jones convinced a young Cuban piano player to come to the US so he could manage and produce him, I was definitely interested in checking him out.  I got my chance at the Monterey Jazz Festival in September, 2009, when Alfredo Rodríguez performed in a trio format.  I saw first hand what all the hype was about, young Alfredo blew me away with his unique, improvisory,  heavily percussive and emotionally charged style of jazz.

Alfredo recently released his first CD called Sounds of Space.  This recording has 11 tracks all composed by Alfredo with varied styles of music.   All have beautiful melodies, great playing and moving improvization.  Each song is full of surprises, taking you to unexpected wonderful places as the song develops.  Alfredo is equally proficient in sensitive playing and strongly emotional outbursts, all with inventive combinations and an amazing touch.  It is quite astonishing that at  a young age (mid 20's) he already has such a unique and appealing style.  Whether or not you like jazz, you should love this CD and if Alfredo is playing in your neighborhood, definitely go see him and you will also see what all the hype is about.