This Saturday, April 6, The Jazz Gallery is pleased to welcome bassist Ricky Rodriguez and his New Quintet to our stage for two sets. A native of Puerto Rico, Rodriguez has developed a conspicuous presence in the New York jazz scene for nearly 15 years, playing with the likes of David Sánchez, Miguel Zenon, and Michael Camilo (check a recent Rodriguez performance with Camilo below).https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qigDKaGioNwIn an interview with Jazz Speaks, Rodriguez spoke about how the city has affected his life and music:

My personality has changed a lot. Coming from a Caribbean island, with all my family back there, I arrived in New York by myself. I wanted to grow up more in the music scene, get better, and follow my dreams. I’ve toured with as many people as I can, and now I have my own band, so it’s a dream come true. The city makes me angry sometimes, because of the winter, the subway, the people. It’s stressful. I would be trying to deal with that, because when I’d go back to Puerto Rico, I’d be talking to people and find myself yelling and being mad all the time. My family would say, "Wow, I guess New York changed you!" It opened my eyes to another part of the real world. Back in Puerto Rico, things are so chill, people relax on the beach and walk so slowly. I want to push people and say “Hey, why are you walking so slow?!”

For this show at the Gallery, Rodriguez will be joined by collaborators old and new, including saxophonist John Ellis, pianist Fabian Almazan, vocalist Thana Alexa, and drummer Samvel Sarkisyan. Don't miss this opportunity to hear Rodriguez before he heads back out on the road with Michel Camilo later this month. Ricky Rodriguez & The New Quintet plays The Jazz Gallery on Saturday, April 6, 2019. The group features Mr. Rodriguez on electric basses and effects, Fabian Almazan on keyboards, John Ellis on tenor sax and bass clarinet, Thana Alexa on voice, and Samvel Sarkisyan on drums. Sets are at 7:30 and 9:30 P.M. $25 general admission ($10 for members), $35 reserved cabaret seating ($20 for members) for each set. Purchase tickets here.