Joe Locke Force of Four live at JazzBaltica 2009

Joe Locke, vib
Robert Rodriguez, p
Ricardo Rodriguez, b
Johnathan Blake, dr
Special Guest:
Nils Wuelker, tp

recorded live at Große Konzertscheune, Salzau, July 3, 2009

1. Like Joe
2. No Moe
3. Ruminations
4. Laura
5. Available In Blue
6. Alpha Punk
7. Saturns Child

Joe Locke leads a unique new quartet, made so by the melding of four distinct musical personalities into a fresh sounding ensemble. The influences of New York, Cuba, Philadelphia and Puerto Rico, as well as the many places travelled by these four player/composers, come together in this group.
"This is one of the very best groups I've ever assembled", says Locke. "Whether the music is swinging hard, funky or delicate, these guys know how to squeeze the juice out of the material. Playing with this band is really rewarding." Their great record "Force of Our" was released in 2008 on Origin.

The Rodriguez Brothers live at JazzBaltica 2009

Michael Rodriguez - Trumpet
Robert Rodriguez - Piano
Ricardo Rodriguez - Bass
Ernesto Simpson - Drums
recorded live at Kleine Konzertscheune, Salzau, Germany, July 4, 2009

1. Promenade (Robert Rodriguez)
2. Introduction
3. Love Samba (Michael Rodriguez)
4. Lulu's Song (Robert Rodriguez)
5. Spin (Robert Rodriguez)

The Rodriguez Brothers Group is Co-led by Pianist/Composer Robert and Trumpeter/ Composer Michael. The Brothers were born in NYC and grew up in Miami Fl. Inspired by their father who is a drummer, The RodBros. began musical training at a very young age and continued their studies through out high school at the New World school of the Arts. Both Robert and Michael received full Scholarships to the University of Miami. Michael finished his Bachelors at the New School for Jazz Studies in NYC and Robert after receiving his Bachelors in Jazzstudies at U of M soon followed to New York. Since their arrival in NYC, the RodBros. have individually worked as sidemen for Roy Haynes, Charlie Haden, Ray Barretto, Eddy Palmieri, DavidSanchez, Wynton Marsalis, Joe Locke, Carla Bley, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Eric Reed, Bob Minzter, Harry Conick Jr., Christian McBride, Richard Bona and Quincy Jones. Their latest CD called "Conversations" received great reviews from Down Beat and other publications.