Alfredo Rodriguez - Invasion Parade

On 'The Invasion Parade', Cuban pianist and composer Alfredo Rodriguez explores his memories of Cuba, the people and the culture he left behind. Co-Produced by Quincy Jones, Rodriguez' champion and mentor, the album also features a superb ensemble that includes bassist and vocalist Esperanza Spalding, percussionist and vocalist Pedrito Martinez, and drummer and percussionist Henry Cole.

'The Invasion Parade' comprises nine tracks including originals by Rodriguez as well as evergreens such as Guantanamera, Maria Teresa Vera's Veinte A�os, and Quiz�s, Quiz�s, Quiz�s.

I searched different styles, different rhythms of Cuban music, explains Rodriguez. I explored Conga Santiaguera [a rhythm from Santiago, in Eastern Cuba]; Afro-Cuban music and also m�sica guajira [country music]. I'm exploring the roots and searching for my own contribution to Cuban music.

Personnel: Alfredo Rodriguez (piano, Minimoog voyager synthesizer, electronics percussion), Esperanza Spalding (vocals, acoustic bass - tracks 3, 7), Peter Slavov (acoustic bass), Henry Cole (drums, percussion), Pedrito Martinez (vocals, percussion), Roman Filiu (alto and soprano saxophone), Billy Carron (baritone saxophone), Javier Porta (flute)