Karen Rodriguez Latin Jazz Ensemble
Bristol, Pennsylvania, United States
Music
Press
the Karen Rodriquez Jazz Band played at our wedding and were awesome,a very talented profesional group They were on point and performed past our expectations and I say this because I saw them live this summer and there performence was limited but they have so much more to offer when given more time. I would hire there talents again, no questions. Misty & Gustavo -- Gustavo S, Reading, PA, 10/25/2008 - Reading Journal
the Karen Rodriquez Jazz Band played at our wedding and were awesome,a very talented profesional group They were on point and performed past our expectations and I say this because I saw them live this summer and there performence was limited but they have so much more to offer when given more time. I would hire there talents again, no questions. Misty & Gustavo -- Gustavo S, Reading, PA, 10/25/2008 - Reading Journal
Discography
Still working on that hot first release.
Photos
Bio
ABOUT KAREN
Unique and authentic, Ms. Rodriguez is the real deal. Others may attempt to convey a Latin sound by singing a bossa nova song, but Karen is indigenous to Latin music. Her parents are from Puerto Rico and speaks, teaches and sings in Spanish. She is truly refreshing and sexy in her native tongue. She is exotic when sings a Cha Cha, but vulnerable when she sings a romantic Bolero. Seeing Karen perform live is like walking into a Cuban nightclub circa 1950.
BAND MEMBERS
Latin music would not be complete without its percussive voice. Mariano Medina, a very talented percussionist. He is a masterful congaist and also plays bongos, timbalis. Juan Medina, who plays bass & vocals, adds the final touch to this incredible group. Both are seasoned players from Trenton, New Jersey and are the key elements to Karens ensemble.
Born in Puerto Rico, Pedro Zayas provides the essential touch of percussive rhythms. He is an expert on the congas, bongos and timbalis.
Accompanying Karen is pianist and musical director Suzzette Ortiz, from Bayamon, Puerto Rico. She is a pianist, singer, arranger and composer. She holds a Bachelors degree in piano performance from the Music Conservatory of Puerto Rico and a Master's degree in Music Education from Temple University in Philadelphia,Pa. She has alsostudied choral conducting at Julliard school of music in New York and the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. Suzzette has traveled vastly performing both internationally and locally. She is one of the premier Latin Jazz pianist in the area and as part of Karens ensemble; she creates a musical sound that is unparalleled.
ABOUT THE BAND
Band members have many things in common. For starters, everyone in the ensemble is in their thirties; all live in the same area; and all are native Puerto Rican. Lastly, all of the members are looking forward to making great music together. Their musical influences include: Celia Cruz, Tito Puente, Hector Lavoe, Buena Vista Social Club, El Gran Combo, Los Panchos, Carlos Gardel, Fania All-Stars, Panch sanchez, Rafael Hernandez, Libertad Lamarque, and Gloria Estefan.
Karens ensemble has performed with one another since 2000. They perform locally as well as nationally.
ABOUT THE MUSIC
Finally music you can dance to! Karen Rodrguez delivers a musical sound that is unparallelled. Salsa, Merengue, Cuban and Mambo are just some of the Latin Grooves you can move to. Musica Muy Sabroso says the Village Voice. Karen Rodrguez creates a hot Salsa sound with bass, piano, percussion and vocals. When was the last time you saw a percussion section sing? Her band brings the traditional sound of Tito Puente, Hector Lavoe, Celia Cruz and many more to life. Karen Rodrguez & Her Ensemble is a must see musical experience.
Band Members
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