On August 11, 2023, trumpeter Michael Rodriguez led an exceptional ensemble at The Jazz Gallery, featuring tenor saxophonist John Ellis, pianist Gary Versace, bassist Joe Martin, and drummer Jimmy Macbride. This performance was part of a series of shows at the venue, with sets at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. (jazzgallery.org)
At that time, Rodriguez was preparing for the release of "Reunited: Live at Dizzy's Club," an album recorded with his brother, pianist Robert Rodriguez, set to drop on July 21, 2023. This album commemorated the 20th anniversary of their debut recording, "Introducing the Rodriguez Brothers," and showcased their dynamic fusion of Afro-Cuban, Brazilian, and Latin folkloric traditions with contemporary jazz. (lydialiebman.com)
The collaboration with Ellis, Versace, Martin, and Macbride brought together a group of musicians known for their versatility and deep understanding of jazz idioms. Their collective experience and interplay likely contributed to a performance that was both innovative and deeply rooted in jazz tradition.
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