ALFREDO RODRIGUEZ TRIO

Grammy nominated artist, Alfredo Rodríguez reflects the talents of legendary jazz pianists Keith Jarrett and Thelonious Monk. Schooled in the classical conservatories of Havana, Rodríguez’s artistry is informed as much by Bach and Stravinsky as it is by his Cuban and jazz roots.

Discovered at the 2006 Montreux Jazz Festival by Quincy Jones, Rodríguez has distinguished himself as the definition of jazz and improvisation without boundaries. “Alfredo is very special,” says Quincy Jones. “He is without doubt one of the best young pianists I’ve ever seen and with the enormous skills that he already possesses, his potential is limitless.”

‘Elegant yet explosive technique and command for an array of musical idioms.’ – The Los Angeles Times

‘A mesmerizing display of technique, energy, innovation and passion, practically levitating off the piano bench with the last note, and drawing roaring applause.’ – Jazz Times

ALFREDO RODRÍGUEZ TRIO

MICHAEL OLIVERA
DRUMS

Born in Santa Clara, Cuba, Michael Olivera has become one of the key players in contemporary Latin jazz.

Since moving to Madrid at the age of 26, he has become one of the most highly-demanded and well-respected musicians in the city. Together with musicians of his generation such as Ariel Bringuez and Reinier Elizarde ‘El Negrón’ among others, he has developed a unique and particular style in the way of conceiving the instrument and the music itself, allowing him to adopt a new point of view for improvisation and accompaniment.

He has performed and recorded with a wide range of musicians including Ariel Bringuez, Sintesis, Pablo Martin Caminero, Esperanza Spalding, Roman Filiú, Jose Luis Quintana (Changuito), Peter Slavo, Tomatito, Sting, Ivan Melon Lewis and the Orchestra del Valles.

REINIER ELIZARDE RUANO
BASS

Reinier Elizarde Ruano studied at the National School of Art in Havana in 1997 and began his professional career a year later as a member of several jazz orchestras under the direction of Irakere Chucho Valdes, Maraca and Otra Vision led by Orlando Valle (Maraca).

In 2001, he entered the Superior Institute of Art in Havana from which he graduated with a Bachelor’s and began teaching the double bass. He participated in the competition of young jazz musicians and for several years was part of the cast of musicians for the Jazz Festival in Havana.

He has recorded and shared the stage with great musicians such as Michel Legrand, Chucho Valdes, Jerry Gonzales, Quincy Jones-Alfredo Rodriguez Trio, Javier Limón, David Murray Cuban Ensemble, Paquito De Rivera, Concha Huika, Doug Hammond, Anat Cohen, Jeff Ballard and Avishai Cohen.

Today, he continues to perform around the world for festivals and venues such as Montreux Jazz, North Sea, Blue Note, Clazz Jazz Festival (Madrid), Duc des Lombards Club (Paris) and Festival de Vitoria.