Grammy® nominated artist, Alfredo Rodríguez, reflects the talents of legendary jazz pianists Keith Jarrett, Thelonious Monk, and Art Tatum. Schooled in the rigorous classical conservatories of Havana, Rodríguez’s riveting artistry is informed as much by Bach and Stravinsky as it is by his Cuban and jazz roots. He will descend on Australia for his first ever live dates this March, playing a stunning solo show at Sydney’s The Basement on Sunday 12th March and Melbourne’s Bird’s Basement for three consecutive nights on Tuesday 14th, Wednesday 16th and Thursday 17th March. Tickets are on sale now.

Discovered at the 2006 Montreux Jazz Festival by Quincy Jones, Cuban-born Alfredo Rodr guez has distinguished himself as the definition of jazz and improvisation without boundaries. He is the man behind the piano with fingers that seem to travel from one end of the world to the other, just within the span of the keys; his mastery of the art has earned him frequent appearances on prestigious stages around the world such as the Playboy Jazz Festival at the Hollywood Bowl, Montreux Jazz Festival, North Sea Jazz Festival, Jazz in Marciac, Umbria Jazz and Jazz A Vienne. Additionally, Rodr guez was nominated for a 2015 Grammy in the category of Best Arrangement, Instrumental or A Cappella for the track "Guantanamera" from his 2014 release, The Invasion Parade.

Watch the video for 'The Invasion Parade' here.

During his first tour in China, Rodr guez was asked to work with Tan Dun, Siedah Garrett and Quincy Jones to compose the English-version of the 2010 Shanghai World Expo theme song, granting him to become the first non-Chinese artist to be bestowed this honor. Though impressive, his accomplishments are not the only defining factors of his standout success; his ability to express himself culturally by "playing stories" on the keys places him in a unique position to connect with his listeners on a more relatable and personal level. As demonstrated by the Invasion Parade, the follow-up album to his stunning debut on Mack Avenue, Sounds of Space, Rodr guez explores his memories of Cuba, the people and culture he left behind and finds his new place. Co-Produced by Quincy Jones and featuring a superb ensemble that includes bassist/vocalist Esperanza Spalding and percussionist/vocalist Pedrito Mart nez, the record is comprised of nine tracks including originals by Rodr guez as well as evergreens such as "Guantanamera," Maria Teresa Vera's "Veinte A os," and "Quiz s, Quiz s, Quiz s."

Now, in Tocororo, his most recent album Rodriguez's story is represented by the national bird of Cuba. The Tocororo is a bird that if caged, dies of sadness, reflecting not only the desire for liberty, but the necessity of it. Beyond that is the story of everything else the bird represents: freedom, travel, and cross-pollination. In Rodriguez's case, it represents the cross pollination of his Cuban culture with all of the cultures he has experienced throughout his musical journey, thus leading him to assemble an international band, fusing the musical perspectives of Michael Olivera and Reinier Elizarde from Cuba, Ibrahim Maalouf from Lebanon, the French-Cuban duo Ibeyi, Cameroonian vocalist and bassist Richard Bona, flamenco style singer Antonio Lizana, and Indian vocalist Ganavya.

"Any pianist with training in Afro-Cuban jazz can play tender, introspective lyricism and slashing, pounding rhythms with similar ease. But to pivot back and forth between those styles with no apparent transition, the way Alfredo Rodriguez does is to demonstrate a whole other stratum of talent. This explains why Quincy Jones served as both his mentor and the producer of Rodriguez's second album, Tocororo-lest we forget, Jones was once among the shrewdest of jazz composers, arrangers, and bandleaders." - Washington City Paper

Quincy Jones expresses, "Alfredo is without a doubt one of the best young pianists I've ever seen and with the enormous skills that he already possesses, his potential is limitless." Rodriguez continues to spread his music along with his message and is currently on an international tour. Don't miss this extraordinary artist when he lands in Australia this March!

"The astonishing 28-year-old Cuban-born piano virtuoso - discovered and mentored by Quincy Jones - has drawn comparisons to such pinnacles of jazz pianism as Art Tatum, Bill Evans, and Keith Jarrett." - The Boston Globe

"...A pianist so intense, so beautiful and so emotive you never, ever want the music to stop...amazing improvisational skills and beautiful artistic soul." - Savvant Music

"Alfredo Rodriguez has managed to capture attention in the world of jazz, due to his contemporary arrangements, his original style and personal sound, all of which is reflected in his new album that combines classical pieces of Cuban and Latin American traditional music and modern jazz trends."
- ACN

"...Rodriguez, a talented young Cuban pianist, is known for his riveting, virtuosic fusion of Latin music, classical, and jazz - an extraordinarily inventive sound." - M Live

TICKETING INFO

General Admission ticket buyers have an added option of purchasing The Basement's Plate & Glass deal on the following booking page.

The Plate & Glass meal includes one meal option with one glass of selected wine which will be made available at the Green Room Bar from the time doors open through to 10:30pm.

Plate and Glass meal and wine options are listed on the following booking page.

Dinner & Show tickets include entry, seating and 2 course meal.

Dinner & Show tickets are only available via Moshtix.

Some Dinner & Show Bookings may be on a shared table. Please let us know at the time of the booking as a special request should you prefer not to share, and subject to availability we'll do our best to accommodate your request. Note it is not possible to join ticket holders together across ticket groups (meaning A Reserve ticket holders cannot sit with B Reserve etc).

DOORS OPEN AT 5.30PM
MUSIC STARTS AFTER DINNER SERVICE, AROUND 7.00PM
SET TIMES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE FROM SHOW TO SHOW

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING:
When General Admission Ticket sales have closed on the day of the show they may still be available at the door on the night.

All patrons must be over the age of 18

Once purchased tickets are non-refundable & non-transferable
(applies to both Standing and Dinner sales)

Please ensure you bring photo ID as proof of age

A booking fee applies to all advance tickets. (All quoted prices include tax).

Dress is Smart/Casual at Manager's discretion. No thongs.

ACCESSIBILITY

The Basement has very limited accessibility for patrons with disabilities, however please contact the venue to ensure there is adequate availability for you to enjoy the show comfortably and they can advise on the recommended seating options.

RESTAURANT (GREEN ROOM BAR) 
RESTAURANT HOURS ARE DEPENDENT ON SHOW
Please call The Basement to confirm opening times - (02) 9251 2797

SEATING MAP FOR DINNER & SHOW BOOKINGS
Please Note: tables cannot be joined together. Please ensure everyone you intend to seat at your table is included in your booking to avoid being seated separately. Unfortunately, Dinner & Show bookings are for a minimum of 2 people.

Specific table reservation is not available for this performance. It is the venue's decision as to which table you will be allocated. Whilst the venue would love to give everyone their preferred seats, it is not always possible. We ask that you respect this decision and enjoy the performance.