Oct 28, 2025 10:47 AM
In Memoriam: Jack DeJohnette, 1942–2025
Jack DeJohnette, a bold and resourceful drummer and NEA Jazz Master who forged a unique vocabulary on the kit over his…
Rodríguez’s new studio album, Little Dream, will be released on Feb. 23.
(Photo: Anna Webber)Mack Avenue will release pianist Alfredo Rodríguez’s new studio album, Little Dream, on Feb. 23.
Over the past decade, Rodríguez has gone from a young local Cuban artist to a globally recognized Grammy-nominee with three critically acclaimed releases on Mack Avenue: Sounds Of Space (2011), The Invasion Parade (2014), and Tocororo (2016).
Over the years, Rodríguez’s worldwide tours have shaped his point of view. “I believe people are more similar than different,” he said. “We live in a time where we have so many ways to inform ourselves, and yet some places—and people—choose to remain isolated. As a result, the world can lack peace and empathy, instead of showing unity and tolerance.”
Rodríguez’s highly anticipated fourth album was recorded with bassist Munir Hossn and drummer Michael Olivera in two days, with a majority of the songs being done in one take.
“The most beautiful thing to me is when I play and the opposite of what I had intended happens, so I have to find a solution while I am playing,” Rodríguez said. “Music is like life: It’s about adaption and transformation in the moment.”
Rodríguez’s commitment to improvisation is evident in his popular cover song videos, which have racked up millions of views on his social media channels.
“The title of my new album, The Little Dream, is my response to our current world climate,” he said. “The title comes from my fascination with the dream world, which is a beautiful manifestation of our reality. My greatest dream is one where all humans live happily and in peace.”
As on past projects, Quincy Jones continues to serve as Rodríguez’s producer. “Quincy always impresses me, and for a young musician, it’s such an incredible opportunity to get to be around a legend,” he said. “Quincy has affected my life in so many positive ways; he is my mentor, and the most open-minded musician I know. His influence has made me a better person as well as a better musician.”
Rodríguez will perform with percussionist Pedrito Martinez at Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola in New York on Jan. 11–12.
Rodríguez and his trio will perform at the Miller Theatre in New York on March 3.
For more info on Alfredo Rodríguez, visit his website. DB
Jack DeJohnette boasted a musical resume that was as long as it was fearsome.
Oct 28, 2025 10:47 AM
Jack DeJohnette, a bold and resourceful drummer and NEA Jazz Master who forged a unique vocabulary on the kit over his…
Don and Maureen Sickler serve as the keepers of engineer Rudy Van Gelder’s flame at Van Gelder Studio, perhaps the most famous recording studio in jazz history.
Sep 3, 2025 12:02 PM
On the last Sunday of 2024, in the control room of Van Gelder Studio, Don and Maureen Sickler, co-owners since Rudy Van…
Trio aRT with its avalanche of instrumentation: from left, Pheeroan akLaff, Scott Robinson and Julian Thayer.
Sep 3, 2025 12:03 PM
Trio aRT, a working unit since 1988, shockingly released its very first studio recording this summer. Recorded in…
“Think of all the creative people I’m going to meet and a whole other way of thinking about music and a challenge of singing completely different material than I would have sung otherwise to my highest level in dedication to the moment,” Elling says about his Broadway run.
Sep 9, 2025 1:18 PM
Kurt Elling was back at home in Chicago, grabbing some family time in a late-June window between gigs. Sporting a smile…
Pat Metheny will perform with his Side-Eye III ensemble at Big Ears 2026 in Knoxville, Tennessee, next March.
Sep 9, 2025 12:19 PM
Big Ears has announced the lineup for its 2026 festival, which will take place March 26–29 and include 250…
