Jorge Roeder, a Peruvian bass player, is widely known as one of today’s most expressive and versatile bass players. Roeder combines a symphonic imagination and the intimate lyricism a folk musician with the raw energy of a rocker with the buoyant rhythmic sensibilities his Afro-Peruvian heritage. He is able to convey a broad range of influences within a solid foundation. Peter Hum, Ottawa Citizen’s editor, says that Roeder’s music “feels like it’s dancing from scratch.” This is evident in the diverse talents of his collaborators. His long-standing relationships include guitarist Julian Lage, whose music spans a wide range of Americana styles. He also has a close relationship with Sofia Rei, an Argentinian singer and songwriter who interprets melodies from different South American traditions. He is also an important member of the trio that includes Shai Maestro, Israeli pianist, and Ryan Keberle, trombonist, Catharsis, which blends complex complexity with ethereal elegance. Roeder also has shared the stage with Nels Cline, Nels Cline, and John Zorn, an iconoclastic composer/saxophonist. He has received a variety of awards that recognize his talents, including first prize in the 2007 International Society of Bassists Jazz Competition, semi-finalist place in the 2009 Thelonious Monk Bass Competition, and a Grammy Award nomination. Sounding Point is the debut album of the Julian Lage Group. Roeder began his musical journey with guitar lessons in his youth. He continued to study cello in Peru and Russia and then honed his skills in Lima rock clubs. Roeder also studied jazz at Boston’s New England Conservatory. There he was able to learn from jazz legends such as Jerry Bergonzi and Bob Moses. Roeder’s music is a testament to his unbridled skills and curiousity. Roeder has mastered the lessons of cerebral classical training and unbridled rock passion to create a unique voice on the bass that has put him at the forefront of modern jazz. From www.jorgeroeder.com
