Music is a career that many people want to pursue. Rodney Green grew up in Camden, New Jersey as an only child. He was surrounded by gospel music and musical instruments at home, and in church where he spent the majority of his time. His father was an organist and preacher, while his mother sang in church. Rodney loved the drum kit and would play it whenever he could. His father was a preacher and organist, while his mother sang in church. Rodney was introduced to jazz, soul, and funk by his cousin who is also a musician. He started listening to records such as “A Love Supreme”, “Transition,” or “Four More” with the help of his high school band teacher. Tony Williams and Elvin Jones were a huge influence on Rodney. He loved the sounds they made with the drums, as well as their style, technique and range. Rodney realized music could become a career and not a hobby. He knew that playing the drums was his calling.Percussionist Scott Robinson was impressed with Rodney’s playing but realized the young drummer didn’t realize what he was doing, since he was just playing by ear. Robinson offered to teach Rodney for free and he soon began to go to local clubs to hear live music and perform gigs. Many of the upcoming musicians in Philadelphia’s jazz scene, including Orrin Evans, Duane Eubanks and Christian McBride, became his friends. Rodney assumed the role of friend and drummer Brian Frasier Moore at 16 years old. The club manager was inspired by him to create a Sunday Jazz Brunch. Soon Green was booking musicians such as Evans and Newsome. Bobby Watson, a legendary musician, was so impressed by the young drummer, he called his parents and asked permission to take Green to Italy. After much negotiation, they gave their blessing. Green was 17 years old and still attending high school. He also began traveling internationally, playing occasional gigs in New York City. Unexpectedly, Billy Higgins, the legendary drummer, walked into Sweet Basil and completed a set. Rodney returned home, packed his bags and headed for the airport. He was determined to make a mark on jazz music and, one week after graduating, Green moved to New York with the money he had earned from gigs. He quickly made a name for hisself on the jazz scene. At just 17 years old, he was a popular sub. He had a remarkable range of skills and a reputation as a young professional musician. Green was a popular young drummer and he spent the next few years with Eric Reed, Greg Osby and Joe Henderson. He also played with Joe Henderson, Greg Osby and Tom Harrell. Green joined Diana Krall’s band at age 19. Green’s two-year stint with Krall taught him a lot about music business and how to be a mature, responsible young professional. He is constantly learning and challenging himself creatively. He now leads the Rodney Green Group and writes music. This young musician has many gigs, experiences and records under his belt. The best is yet to come. Rodney Green has worked with: Terence Blanchard Carmen Lundy Stephon Harris Charlie Haden Wynton Marsalis Ravi Coltrane Lizz Wright Terell Stafford Greg Osby Ben Wolfe Christian Mc Bride Joe Henderson Diana Krall George Benson Nicholas Payton Cyrus Chestnut Sadao Watanabe Antonio Hart Adam Rodgers Michael Brecker Kenny Barron Marc Cary Abby Lincoln Betty Carter Shirley Scott Benny Wallace Makoto Ozone Wycliffe Gordon Paula West Bruce Barth Peter Cincotti Andy Bey Tom Harrell New York Voices Herbie Hancock, Dianne Reeves from http://www.rodneygreenjazz.com
