Alfredo Rodriguez - Sounds of Space (2012)

The debut recording from Cuban pianist Alfredo Rodríguez, co-produced by his mentor Quincy Jones features his basic trio augmented by clarinet, saxophone and woodwinds. A key player in Rodríguez' extraordinary story is producer Quincy Jones, who co-produced 'Sounds of Space' with Rodríguez. "He is very special, and I do not say that easily because I have been surrounded by the best musicians in the world my entire life," said Jones. "And he is one of the best." In turn, for Rodríguez, 26, Jones has not only become a mentor and a teacher but "like a new father." Still, such priceless endorsement can also create impossibly high expectations. But in 'Sounds of Space', Rodríguez proves up to the challenge. The album comprises 11 tracks composed and arranged by Rodríguez. It includes nods to Cuban masters such as Ernesto Lecuona, but also pianistic models such as Bud Powell and Thelonious Monk; it draws on the tradition, but it has a personal imprint. And now and then, Sounds Of Space is also shaped by nostalgia for a country left behind, so near yet so far. Personnel: Alfredo Rodriguez (piano, melodica), Gaston Joya, Peter Slavov (bass), Michael Olivera, Franscisco Mela (drums/percussion), Ernesto Vega (clarinets, soprano sax), Santa Cecilia Quartet (flute, oboe, French horn, bassoon).

Tracklist:

1. Qbafrica 5:19
2. Sueno De Paseo 3:53
3. Silence 5:03
4. Cu-Bop 4:30
5. April 6:20
6. Oxygen 5:48
7. Sounds Of Space 4:45
8. Crossing The Border 6:45
9. …Y Bailaria La Negra? (A Ernest) 6:52
10. Transculturation 4:15
11. Fog 4:52