This Cuban-born pianist is the latest discovery of Quincy Jones, and he’s bursting all over with great ideas and performance. I caught him last year with his trio, and left the show anxious for something tangible from him. Here it is, and you’re going to like it. Here, he does some trio material with Peter Slavov/b and Francisco Mela/dr, a couple of solo spots , some quartet work with Gaston Joya/b, Michael Olivera/dr, Ernesto Vega/reeds and the band with the Santa Cecila Quartet on one piece.
Rodriguez’s touch, style and attack has the tradition of beboppers like Bud Powell, but with the extra passion and picante flavor of Cuba. The trio tune “QBAfrica” opens up with a formidable foray of notes before the leader takes a solo that drops out of the sky like a balloon that’s run out of air. The change in mood is fascinating, and Rodriguez makes it work for all its worth. His quartet tunes like “Sueno Do Paseo” “Silence” and the title track feature some earthy clarinet and soprano sax work by Vega, mixing romantic and pensive moods with latin bravado. Rodriguez’s pair of solos reveal an impressive melding of patience and celebratory passion, with his fingers telling intriguing novellas on “April” and “Crossing The Border.” Fresh as the smell of baked bread in the morning.
Mack Avenue Jazz