Al Rodriguez

I grew up in a family surrounded by music. My parents’ eclectic listening tastes varied from classical, 50’s and 60’s rock & roll, to the standards (Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, etc.).

From an early age, my siblings and I regularly performed in the school choir. However, the inspiration to take up piano lessons came in our music classes when our choir director/music teacher/pianist would have us watch reels of film with Leonard Bernstein and his symphony orchestra demonstrating various musical forms.

When my brothers and I became proficient enough we started a Top 40 dance band with our father serving as manager and booking agent. Years later, a musician friend introduced me to jazz, via the Dave Brubeck Quartet with Paul Desmond. I was amazed.

Although Brubeck was my introduction to jazz piano, I quickly discovered Bill Evans and yearned to play in that style. That quickly grew into other discoveries: Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, Keith Jarrett, McCoy Tyner, Kenny Barron, Alan Broadbent, Cedar Walton, George Shearing as well as myriad other instrumentalists.

During my musical career, I've performed solo as one of the house pianists in the lounges of the Westin La Paloma Resort Hotel and at Ventana Canyon Resort, was the house pianist for The Ventana Canyon Golf & Racquet Club for  2 years, had a working jazz trio and was part of a jazz sextet (opening for one of comedian Martin Mulls' University of Arizona performances).

Following a 20 year stint in the San Francisco Bay Area, I moved back to Tucson, AZ where I am reacquainting myself with musician friends and actively pursuing more gigs.

After you've read this bio, relax, pour a glass of your favorite wine, click on the music tab above and enjoy my audio tracks.  

I hope to hear from you soon concerning any gig openings.