Ricky Rodriguez Group: Looking Beyond

Puerto Rican borne Ricky Rodriguez is a jazz bassist and has lived in New York City for the last number of years honing his craft and style although he was already fairly well known in his native country before he moved to the Big Apple. He has played with a number of jazzers including Joe Locke and Fabian Almazan. Looking Beyond his is first CD as a band leader.

The quintet features Ricky Rodriguez (bass), Adam Rogers (guitar), Luis Perdomo (piano, Fender Rhodes), Obed Calvaire (drums) and Myron Walden (alto saxophone and bass clarinet). Guests include David Sanchez (tenor saxophone), Pete Rodriguez (trumpet) and Obanilu Allende (barril de bomba).

On the opening track "The Real Truth" the band fires on all cylinders before fiery saxophone inundates the proceedings. Rodriguez is an unselfish musician as he lets the entire band shine on what is a riveting jam-like session. Smatterings of off kilter piano, complex drum patterns and wild sax will appeal to fans of sophisticated jazz.

On "The Last Chance" Rodriguez's funky bass drives the song forward as horns and Fender Rhodes shape the soundscape. Calvaire's drum work also plays a pivotal role and Rogers adds a tasty guitar solo.

On the short "Intro To Introspection" Rodriguez's elegant bowed bass leads directly into, you guessed it, "Introspection" where calming horns and breezy accompaniment will settle into your music psyche if you let it.

At times this is an album of quiet contemplation and introspection, at other times the path is more fevered but whichever direction the music takes you can be assured of high quality modern jazz from a group of extremely talented musicians.

A Destiny Records release.

Track Listing:
1. The Real Truth (9:18)
2. Living (8:50)
3. The Last Chance (8:10)
4. Intro To Introspection (0:42)
5. Introspection (9:03)
6. Looking Beyond (9:09)
7. Stress vs. Relaxation (6:09)
8. A Quiet Refuge (6:48)
9. The Humblenes (8:59)
10. And Then… (1:31)

Added: August 7th 2016
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Label's Official Site
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Language: english

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