Jay Rodriguez is one the most active jazz musicians. He has a reputation for being a sideman and leader with many different musicians and synthesizing their experiences into his own projects. Jay started playing the clarinet at 7 years old after moving from Barranquilla in Colombia to New York City in 1970. He continued his reed studies with Joe Allard (’82-’84), Joe Allard (father of Paquito), and Tito D’Rivera. By the age of 15, he was playing the lead alto role with the late Tito Puente. He graduated from New York City’s renowned High School for the Performing Arts with the highest honors and continued his studies at Manhattan School of Music, and The New School. Rodriguez recalls his childhood. Mark Friedman was my saxophone teacher and tried to teach him how important it is to be a child. But I didn’t pay attention, so I kept playing gigs. I would return home at six o’clock every morning and then go to school. It was my childhood, and I don’t regret it. Jay was always open-minded and flexible and his first jobs were in latin bands and jam sessions in Harlem. He also worked as a studio worker on commercials. He has been performing with Bill Ware (’88), Groove Collective, Medeski Martin and Wood (’94), and more mainstream acts such as Dizzy Gillespie’s United Nations Orchestra, Gil Evans’ Orchestra, Kenny Barron, Kenny Murray, Doc Cheatham and Roy Hargrove (’94). Jay is capable of playing almost all reeds but is mainly a soloist on flutes and saxes. He has a light sound and refreshing willingness, to try new genres and be a part of any ensemble. Jay is also the Groove Collective’s Musical Director. The band has performed with James Brown and backed him, shared the stage with Erykah Badu, The Roots and B.B. King was one of the many. Rodriguez was nominated for two Grammys. Jay received one Grammy Nomination for his album “People People Music Music Music.” (2006). Rodriguez’s focus and determination has made him a successful musician. He is a three-time Grammy nominee and has recorded or performed with many artists, including the icons Joe Lovano (Elvis Costello), Gil Evans, The Mingus Big band; Celia Cruz, Tito Puente; Craig Harris, Ray Barretto. Also, Latin pop star Ruben blades and Willie Colon, Bobby Sanabria, Stevie Wonder. Bernie Worrell of Parliment Funkedelic. The New York Philharmonic orchestrated for composer Philip Glass. Other artists include Guru’s Jazzmatazz Jazzmatazz Jazzmatazz Jazzmatazz Jazzmatazz Jazzmatazz Jazzmatazz Jazzmatazz Jazz/Hip Hop Project/Hip Jazzmatazz Jazzmatazz Jazzmatazz Jazzmatazz Jazzmatazz Jazzmatazz Jazzmatazz Jazz Matazz Jazzmatazz Jazzmatazz Jazzmatazz Jazzmatazz Jazzmatazz Jazzmatazz Jazzmataz Jazzmatazz Jazzmatazz Jazzmatazz Jazzmatazz Jazzmatazz Jazzmatazz Jazzmatazz Jazzm Jay has worked with Little Louie Vega and Dennis Ferrer on dance projects. He also recorded and toured with George Porter Jr., Gangstar, DJ Premiere and George Porter Jr. Jay’s important musical contributions have been an integral part of the NYC music scene for many years as a composer and arranger, and soloist. The “Encyclopedia of Jazz” contains many of Jay’s accomplishments (authors: Leonard Feather, Ira Gitler). Jay recently signed with Suzi Reynolds as Manager/Producer. Jay is currently working on a new recording, and also reviving Groove Collective by creating a new album. Rodriguez continues to perform over 200 gigs per year on the international stage. Visit www.jayrodriguez.com
