Who is Julius Rodriguez?
September 20, 2024
Julius Rodriguez will be making his Kalamazoo debut at Bell’s Eccentric Cafe on October 6. In lieu of this, here’s a little information about our first jazz rising star of the season.
At 24, Julius Rodriguez has made significant waves in the jazz world. The multi-instrumentalist, composer, and bandleader from White Plains, New York, is known for his innovative blend of jazz, R&B, hip-hop, and classical music.
Rodriguez began his musical journey at age 3 on drums before transitioning to piano at 6. By 11, he was performing professionally, showcasing his talent across New York City’s jazz clubs.
Based in New York City, Rodriguez balances his time between composing, recording, and touring. He continues to push his artistic boundaries, exploring new sounds and collaborations that expand the definition of contemporary jazz.
Rodriguez’s approach to jazz is both reverent and revolutionary. He seeks to honor the genre’s history while pushing it into new territories. This perspective, combined with his musicianship and creative vision, marks him as a transformative figure in the evolving landscape of jazz.
To give our audience a more personal glimpse into Julius Rodriguez’s world, we asked him a few questions:
Who are you listening to right now?
“Lots of Brazilian music: Toninho Horta, Milton Nascimento, Djavan, Joao Gilberto. Also Fousheé, and Mk.Gee are contemporary artists I’ve been really into lately. Kenny Garrett, Pat Metheny, also getting back to some early inspirations with Return To Forever.”
What are you working on musically?
“Internalizing the harmony of the music I listen to. And just general proficiency on Guitar and (getting back to) Drums.”
Do you have a pre-performance routine?
“If I’m fortunate to have the time to prep before a show, I like to make sure I’m well fed, and listen to the opposite music of whatever it is I’m getting ready to play…or really anything that is super hype. New Orleans Bounce music, Jersey Club Mixes, Rosalía…anything crazy and fun.”
What’s the last memorable performance you attended by another musician?
“PJ Morton. He and his band truly put on the greatest shows.”
Is there something you enjoy when you are not practicing, playing, or traveling?
“Cooking (and eating of course). I am a bit of a foodie, and there aren’t a whole lot of Caribbean food options where I live so I like to practice and alter some passed down family Haitian food recipes.”
What are you looking forward to in the next six months?
“Performing my original music in so many cities and countries I’ve never brought it to before, and doing it with some of my best friends.”
Is there a highlight of your year so far that has nothing to do with your music?
“This year I bought my first pair of Jordans (sneakers).”
Recent highlights of Rodriguez’s career include:
1. New Album Release: Julius Rodriguez’s sophomore album “Evergreen” showcases his expansive musical vision and versatile talent. Released in 2024 under the Verve label, the album features new original works that fuse various styles, presenting a bigger and more audacious sound. Rodriguez, a multi-instrumentalist from New York, is currently touring the U.S. to support this release
2. Blue Note Jazz Club Residency: Rodriguez’s performances at the Blue Note Jazz Club in New York City have become popular events. His residencies demonstrate his versatility as both a pianist and drummer, often switching between instruments during sets.
3. Collaborations with Jazz Luminaries: Rodriguez has performed and recorded with jazz giants like Wynton Marsalis, Carmen Lundy, and Roy Hargrove. These collaborations have further solidified his standing in the jazz community.
4. NPR Tiny Desk Concert: Rodriguez’s Tiny Desk Concert showcased his dynamic performance style and the interaction with his band. The performance highlighted tracks from Evergreen and demonstrated his ability to captivate audiences in intimate settings.
5. International Festival Appearances: Rodriguez has performed at major jazz festivals worldwide, including the Newport Jazz Festival and the North Sea Jazz Festival. His performances have consistently drawn praise for their energy and musical innovation.
Sources:
1. NPR Music – “Julius Rodriguez: Tiny Desk Concert”
2. Verve Records – “Julius Rodriguez”
3. Blue Note Jazz Club – “Julius Rodriguez”
4. JazzTimes – “Julius Rodriguez: Let Sound Tell All (Verve)”
5. The New York Times – “5 Minutes That Will Make You Love Solo Piano”
6. Pitchfork – “Julius Rodriguez: Let Sound Tell All Album Review”
7. The Gilmore – “Rising Star: Julius Rodriguez”
8. WBGO – “Take Five: New Music by Julius Rodriguez, Cecile McLorin Salvant, Nduduzo Makhathini, and More”