Alfredo Rodriguez Trio/Boris Schmidt Band
International Jazz Day
Grammy®-nominated artist Alfredo Rodriguez mirrors the talents of legendary jazz pianists Keith Jarrett, Thelonious Monk and Art Tatum. Born in Cuba and trained at the rigorous classical conservatories of Havana, Rodríguez's captivating artistry is as influenced by Bach and Stravinsky as it is by his Cuban and jazz roots. Rodríguez was discovered by Quincy Jones at the 2006 Montreux Jazz Festival and has made a name for himself as the epitome of jazz and boundless improvisation.
His mastery of the art has earned him frequent appearances on prestigious stages around the world, including the Playboy Jazz Festival at the Hollywood Bowl, the Montreux Jazz Festival, the North Sea Jazz Festival, Jazz in Marciac, Umbria Jazz and Jazz à Vienne. In addition, Rodríguez was nominated for a Grammy® in 2015 in the category "Best Arrangement, Instrumental or A Cappella" for the track "Guantanamera" from his 2014 release "The Invasion Parade".
Alfredo Rodriguez Trio
During his first tour in China, Rodríguez was asked to collaborate with Tan Dun, Siedah Garrett and Quincy Jones to compose the English version of the Shanghai World Expo 2010 theme song, becoming the first non-Chinese artist to receive this honor. His ability to express himself culturally by "playing stories" on the keys puts him in a unique position to connect with his listeners on a more relatable and personal level.
In The Invasion Parade, the follow-up to his Mack Avenue Records debut, Sounds of Space, Rodríguez explores his memories of Cuba, the people and culture he left behind, and finds his new place. Co-produced by Quincy Jones and featuring a stellar ensemble that includes bassist/vocalist Esperanza Spalding and percussionist/vocalist Pedrito Martínez, the record consists of nine tracks, including originals by Rodríguez as well as evergreens like "Guantanamera," Maria Teresa Vera's "Veinte Años" and "Quizás, Quizás, Quizás." Rodríguez' fourth studio album "The Little Dream" (Mack Avenue Records) was recorded in just two days, with most of the songs being recorded in one take. Two musicians who joined Rodríguez and helped shape the sound of the album are Michael Olivera and Munir Hossn. Rodríguez's latest album was released at the end of September 2023.
Boris Schmidt Band CD-Release
.
After the release of their first album and a tour with the quartet, it is now time to present the next album of the Boris Schmidt Band, this time as a sextet. "Here" is Boris Schmidt's new adventure as a composer and conductor. It represents the natural progression of his 2018 album "Now", with new tracks and expanded personnel. His band plays original compositions in a melodic acoustic jazz style, characterized by his collaborations with classical and modern jazz (Ernie Hammes, Jacques Pirotton, Wolfgan Muthspiel, Manu Katche...), baroque (Grammy-nominated ensemble l'Arpeggiata, Philippe Jarousky) and Latin American rhythms (Miguel Siso, Latin Grammy winner).
Anyone who enters the world of Boris Schmidt first enters a velvet jewel box in which every note is light, subtle, round and whole. Behind an only apparent nonchalance, a very great, cleverly dosed strictness and precision is quickly revealed, which gives the whole thing a feeling of harmony and calm power.
The expansion of the line-up with Ana Rocha as singer and Martin Salemi on the piano opens up more diverse possibilities for the artist for arrangements. In the continuity of the last opus, you will discover these original compositions, enriched with new rhythms and timbres.
Credits: Alfredo Rodriguez Trio
Alfredo Rodriguez - piano
Yarel Hernández - bass
Michael Olivera - Drums
Credits: Boris Schmidt Band
Ana Rocha – voice | Bruno van der Haegen – saxophone | Martin Salemi – piano | Lorenzo Di Maio – guitare | Boris Schmidt – contrebasse .| Lionel Beuvens – drums
A special concert for the INTERNATIONAL JAZZ DAY
Hall: Atrium
Duration: double bill concert with intermission
