Anything other than music was never an option for Cuban-born Alfredo Rodriguez. The pianist was born with great talent, but his artistic journey was not that easy or straightforward. It demanded a lot from him, including leaving his homeland and building a new life. But he succeeded: in 2023 »Coral Way« was released, named after the street in Miami where he spent three years composing the album. »Coral Way« embodies the collective sound of Miami by combining Latin pop, timba, salsa, bachata, tango, reggaeton and bolero – a fusion that reflects the cultural diversity of the Latin American community, celebrates individuality and creates unity all at once. It is an album that picks up on Rodriguez’s Cuban roots as well as his more recent experiences. One of these experiences was meeting Quincy Jones at the Montreux Jazz Festival in 2006, when Jones recognised Rodriguez’s great talent and invited him to work with him in the USA. A global career straddling jazz, classical and Latin music took off and Rodriguez established himself as the embodiment of jazz and boundless improvisation – not least as a cherished sidekick to Herbie Hancock, Richard Bona and Lionel Loueke. He has given critically acclaimed performances with his band, in a duo, trio and with jazz orchestras in Japan, South Korea, Italy, Switzerland, England, France, Luxembourg, New York and New Orleans – and for the first time at the Musikfest Bremen in a quintet.

Alfredo Rodriguez Quintet:
Alfredo Rodriguez piano and vocals
Alana Sinkëy vocals
Carlos Sarduy trumpet
Yarel Hernández bass
Michael Olivera drums