Artist Profile: Alfredo Rodríguez

Pianist, Composer, Alfredo Rodríguez – Photo courtesy of alfredomusic.com

Alfredo Rodríguez (born October 7, 1985) is a Grammy-nominated Cuban composer and Cuban Jazz Pianist. He was trained at Manuel Saumell Conservatory, then at the Amadeo Roldan Music Conservatory as well as the Instituto Superior de Arte.

In 2006, Alfredo was selected as one of the twelve pianists from around the world to perform at the Montreux Jazz Festival. Music Producer Quincy Jones noticed Alfredo at the Jazz Festival and began working with him. In 2009, Alfredo left his family and country and began his pursuit of a career in music in the United States.

Alfredo has performed at the Playboy Jazz Festival, SXSW Music Festival, Detroit Jazz Festival, Monterey Jazz Festival, Newport Jazz Festival, San Francisco Jazz Festival, Gilmore International Keyboard Festival, Jazz Roots Performing Arts Center Concert Series, XVI International Open Air Festival (Poland), Jazz a Vienne Festival (France), North Sea Jazz Festival (Netherlands), Umbria Jazz Festival (Italy), Montreux Jazz Festival (Switzerland), Mawazine Festival (Morocco), Mundo Latino Festival (Brazil), Shanghai International Film Festival (China), Shanghai Tourist Festival (China), as well as many other performances. Alfredo has also been chosen by various brands such as Mercedes Benz and Louis Vuitton to perform at corporate functions and product launches. During this period of time, Alfredo has shared stages with jazz artists such as Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock, Patti Austin, James Ingram, McCoy Tyner, Esperanza Spalding, Richard Bona, Lionel Loueke and many more.

One of Alfredo’s most well-known compositions was accomplished through collaboration with Quincy Jones, Tan Dun, and Siedah Garrett; the anthem “Better City, Better Life” was selected as the official theme song of the Shanghai World Expo 2010.

Sounds of Space, Alfredo’s debut album, produced by Quincy Jones and himself, was released on Qwest/Mack Avenue Records in 2012. His second album, The Invasion Parade, was released on Mack Avenue Records in 2014.

Official Website: alfredomusic.com