Alfredo Rodríguez facts for kids

Alfredo Rodríguez (born October 25, 1936 – died October 3, 2005) was a talented Cuban pianist. He was known for playing Afro-Cuban music and Latin jazz. Born in Havana, Cuba, he started his music career in New York City. For over twenty years, he worked hard to become a well-known musician, playing with many different Latin music groups.

In 1983, he moved to Paris, France, where he found more success. He recorded several albums as a band leader, which were praised by critics. Later in his life, he started a new group called los Acerekó. Famous musicians like Tata Güines and Changuito played with him.

Alfredo Rodríguez is remembered for working with Carlos "Patato" Valdés. He also played with Jesús Alemañy's Cubanismo band. His unique Afro-Cuban piano style was inspired by great pianists like Peruchín and Lilí Martínez. Even though he wasn't a huge commercial star, his music was always loved by critics and fans of Latin jazz. He passed away in 2005, shortly after finishing an album with the group Africando.

Life and Music Journey

Starting in New York

Alfredo Rodríguez was born in Vedado, Havana, on October 25, 1936. He studied music at the Eduardo Peyrellade Conservatory. However, he didn't start his music career until he moved to Manhattan in 1960. At first, he worked in a printing company.

In 1961, Arsenio Rodríguez, a very popular Cuban musician, told him to become a full-time musician. For the next ten years, Alfredo played with many different groups. It was sometimes hard for him to find a permanent spot in a band. He played with Conjunto Sensación and made his first recording on their album Swing in 1965.

After Conjunto Sensación broke up, Rodríguez played with Vicentico Valdés. Then, he joined Willie Rosario's group for a year. In 1968, he joined Joe Cuba's band for two years. At this point, he decided to quit his job at the printing company. In 1970, after a short time in Las Vegas that wasn't very successful, he returned to New York. He rejoined Joe Cuba's band again.

Moving to Miami and Back to New York

In 1972, Rodríguez moved to Miami. He stayed there for four years, playing with José Fajardo's group. He also played live with singers like Lucecita Benítez and Orlando Contreras. He returned to New York in 1976.

The percussionist Carlos "Patato" Valdés invited him to play on his new album, Ready for Freddie. After that, Alfredo played with Charanga 76 for two years. He also recorded many albums as a supporting musician. He played with his favorite singer, Justo Betancourt, on three albums. He also recorded with other famous artists like Ismael Rivera and Celia Cruz.

In 1980, Rodríguez filled in for another pianist in Tito Puente's Latin Percussion Jazz Ensemble for an American tour. He also toured Europe with Camilo Azuquita that year.

Years in Paris

In 1982, Alfredo went to Paris with flutist Art Webb. He decided to stay there with Patato Valdés and started his own music group. In 1983, he recorded his first album, Sonido sólido, in New York. His second album, Monsieur oh la la, was recorded in 1985.

In 1990-91, he recorded his third album, Cuba-New York-Paris, live while on tour with Patato. In 1993, he recorded Para Yoya. This album featured Peruchín Jr., the son of his musical inspiration, Peruchín.

Between 1994 and 1995, he invited Cuban artists from New York to perform live shows in Paris. In 1995, he recorded the first album for Cubanismo. This was Jesús Alemañy's big band project that brought back the son cubano style. This album was recorded in Havana. It was the first time Rodríguez had returned to his home country since 1960. Also in 1995, he recorded Único y diferente with Patato Valdés.

In 1996, he went back to Cuba to record Cuba linda. This album received a lot of praise from critics. He then toured California with Cubanismo, and audiences loved their performances. He also toured Europe with Cubanismo. This was his last tour with the band.

Later Life and Passing

In 2000, he helped record the album Los originales with Cuban Masters. This group was made up of Cuban musicians living outside Cuba. The album was nominated for two Grammy Awards. In the early 2000s, he formed his own group called Acerekó. They recorded the album Cuban Jazz. This album featured famous musicians like Tata Güines and Changuito.

His last music project was the Africando album Ketukuba, which was released in 2006. He gave his last concert in August 2005 in Contis, France. Alfredo Rodríguez passed away from cancer in Paris on October 3, 2005.

A special concert was held in Paris on March 20, 2006, to honor him. Pianist Ernán Lopez-Nussa came from Havana to play at the show. A collection of his unreleased recordings, called Oye Afra, was released after he passed away in 2007.

Music Style

Alfredo Rodríguez's Afro-Cuban piano style was greatly influenced by Peruchín, who was a good friend of his. He also admired Lilí Martínez, who played for Arsenio Rodríguez. Both Peruchín and Lilí Martínez were inspired by classical pianists like Chopin. Alfredo Rodríguez's music also showed influences from classical composers such as Debussy and Rachmaninoff.

Discography

• 1983: Sonido sólido
• 1985: Monsieur oh la la
• 1991: Cuba-New York-Paris (live)
• 1993: Para Yoya
• 1997: Cuba linda
• 2002: Cuban Jazz
• 2007: Oye Afra (live, recorded 1998-2005)
• 2014: On Tour in Europe (live, recorded 1990-91)