Music
Press
The pianist Robert Rodriguez and the trumpet player Michael rodriguez, young musicians living in New york, have joined the pile of jazz players to keep an eye on. The post-bop on "Conversations"(Savant) is a little straightforward, but there's no mistaking the sparks. Robert crunches and fragments harmony when soloing in fast tunes. Michael has an innate understanding of how to play the thicker-sounding fluegelhorn on slow songs )Lerida, "Conversations") while keeping them tense.
Ben Ratliff - The New York Times
And still they continue to come. Two more incredibly talented musicians from Cuban families, raised in Miami and New York, really make the most of every minute of their dubut album as co-leaders. Robert has been with Ray Barretto and Roy Haynes (he's on that recent excellent live date featuring Jaleel Shaw). whil Michael was the only non name on the last Charlie Haden Liberation Orchestra CD. Robert's Style recalls Herbie Hancock at his most fluent. His self-confidence, combined with an impressive technique and really interesting choice of notes, makes every piano solo special and his comping behind others' excursions is a trip on its own. Michael is a fine trumpeter, with a pure tone, more of a romantic than Robert, who also makes every note count... - London Financial Times
Discography
"Introducing The Rodriguez Brothers"2003
"Conversations"2007
Photos
Bio
The Rodriguez Brothers Group is Co-led by Pianist/Composer Robert and Trumpeter/Composer Michael. The Brothers were born in NYC and grew up in Miami Fl. Inspired by their father who is a drummer, The RodBros. Began musical training at a very young age and continued their studies through out high school at the New World school of the Arts. Both Robert and Michael received full Scholarships to the University of Miami. Michael finished his Bachelors at the New School for Jazz Studies in NYC and Robert after receiving his Bachelors in Jazz studies at U of M soon followed to New York.
Since their arrival in NYC, the RodBros. have individually worked as sidemen for Roy Haynes, Charlie Haden, Ray Barretto, Eddy Palmieri, David Sanchez, Wynton Marsalis, Joe Locke, Carla Bley, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Eric Reed, Bob Minzter, Harry Conick Jr., Christian Mcbride, Richard Bona and Quincy Jones.
The Rodriguez Brothers Group was formed in 2002 when they recorded their premier CD titled Introducing The Rodriguez Brothers. The music for this recording consisted of original compositions, by both brothers, influenced by Afro-Cuban and traditional jazz elements. The group soon began to perform at many prestige’s venues and Festivals including The JVC Festival at Bryant Park, Syracuse Jazz Festival, Iceland Jazz Festival, the Bluenote Jazz Club, The Jazz Standard and the Artist Quarter and a tour of Spain. This recording also led the way for a commission for Robert from the Chamber Music of America to compose a work for the group. Robert was also awarded ASCAP’s young composer award for his recorded composition Epiphany.
Their Second Recording titled Conversations received great reviews from Down Beat, London Financial Times, NY Times and other publications. The music on Conversations, again focusing on original compositions, expanded their palate with influences from other Caribbean and South American rhythms and European classical music all the while keeping the modern jazz spirit of improvisation, swing and harmony.
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