Jazz Articles about Bob Rodriguez

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Bob Rodriguez: Portraits

by AAJ Italy Staff
October 23, 2009

L'eredità musicale di Bill Evans impronta la cifra espressiva di questo disco, inciso nel '94 da Rodriguez in piena solitudine. Un pianista bravo ma non originalissimo, il cui camaleontismo non riesce a far decollare il decorativismo che informa il CD. Suoi colori, stilemi, vezzi, manierismi rimandano al marchio di fabbrica della pratica evansiana anche in alcune composizioni originali, con qualche sprazzo di romanticismo classico. Ciò premesso, Rodriguez è indiscutibilmente un musicista di provata abilità, dal tocco limpido e ricco di ...

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Bob Rodriguez: Portraits

by Elliott Simon
April 1, 2009

There are times when there's the urge to put on some solo piano music, turn down the lights and experience the intimacy that no other instrument can so perfectly create. And while the pensive Portraits that Bob Rodriguez paints on this solo effort are done up in somber tones there is an immeasurable beauty to these dusky renderings. Recorded almost 15 years ago, Rodriguez impresses with both harmonic and melodic mastery. But it is the ways in which these two ...

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Bob Rodriguez: Portraits

by Glenn Astarita
March 7, 2009

Recorded in 1994 and released in 2009, New York area pianist Bob Rodriguez doesn't delve into an existential framework splattered with hidden meanings. Simply stated, the album title intimates the artist's personalized musical portraitures equally divided between standards and originals.

The pianist communicates great depth amid soul-stirring choruses and animated right hand leads. Rodriguez is a poet via his fusion of lush themes with probing storylines, all enamored by his gentle touch and acute penchant for modulating numerous ...

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Bob Rodriguez: Corridor

by Jim Santella
October 4, 2005

On this dreamy trio session, pianist Bob Rodriguez interprets a set of originals and several standards. His cascading keyboard melodies and gently flowing snippets of poetic charm give the listener a quiet storm of relaxed pleasure. The acoustic setting provides a natural texture, while each improvised phrase overlaps like the wind and the rain outside.

Opening the session, “Corridor" gives the impression of a long walkway that leads to mixed pleasures. In the other rooms, we find Ellington, ...

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Bob Rodriguez: Corridor

by John Kelman
August 3, 2005

It's a mystery why some artists reach positions of prominence and others don't. Sometimes it's more about being in the right place at the right time than specific musical criteria like aptitude, creativity, and a distinctive personal approach. Since moving to New York in '88, pianist Bob Rodriguez has managed to create a niche through performing, as well as teaching at a variety of notable schools like Julliard. More often than not, however, he finds himself visiting Austin, Texas, where ...