Julius Rodriguez (piano)

Born in White Plains, New York, in 1998 and currently based in LA, Julius Rodriguez, pianist, drummer, multi-instrumentalist, composer and producer, has become one of the most vibrant figures of the new generation of American Jazz. Trained at the Manhattan School of Music Precollege and later at the Juilliard School, such was his precocious talent that he soon began to play in New York clubs and joined professional bands, showing, immediately, remarkable versatility.

An artist that easily navigates different fields of music, his language combines contemporary Jazz, gospel, rhythm & blues, hip hop and electronic with remarkable naturalness, always projecting his own identity. With such a stylistic range, he has been able, over the years, to work with figures as diverse as Wynton Marsalis, A$AP Rocky, Kassa Overall, Meshell Ndegeocello, Roy Hargrove or Carmen Lundy, with whom he will perform at this 61st edition of Jazzaldia, (Victoria Eugenia Theatre, 22 July, 6 pm).

His discography reflects an open and dynamic approach that defies easy labelling. For Julius, Jazz is a space in which the most daring improvisation, urban pulse, pop sensibility and gospel spirituality can live with each other.

On stage, the young American pianist is all intense, contagious energy, exuding the kind of spontaneity that allows for easy connection with the audience, as well as seemingly endless creativity. Definitely one to watch here.