Sal is originally from Seraing, Belgium, near Liège. He was first a Rock guitarist, but switched to the bass as his instrument of choice after hearing (for the first time) music by several jazz greats. After switching, he taught himself how to play by the age of 23. Over time, he become one of the most "in demand" double bassists in Belgium and in the European theater. Starting in the mid 80's, Sal has toured and performed with a wide array of musicians on the European continent.
The 90's saw him expanding his presence with world tours. His list of celebrity musicians he performed with continued to grow, adding well known names like Lee Konitz and Toots Thieleman to his musical resume. During his career, Sal has recorded on numerous albums.
In 2003, he released his first album "Latinea", included musicians Bruno Castellucci, Peter Hertmans, Kris Goessens and Jacques Pirotton. Around this time, Sal became the official bassist of singer Anne Ducros, playing, recording and touring with her group for several years. He added several jazz greats to his resume, including trumpeter Randy Brecker and pianists Thierry Eliez, Enrico Pieranunzi, Jacky Terrasson and René Urtreger.
In 2007, he became the bassist for pop rock group Vaya Con Dios. Sal participated in both a European and world tour with the group.
In 2010, he was bassist for the Steve Grossman Quintet (Two Tenors Quintet) performing at the Dinant Jazz Night Festival. The group featured Steve Grossman, Nico Menci, Alvin Queen, Joe Lovano and Sal.
In 2011, he joined the Gregory Houben Quintet, which was comprised of Gregory Houben (trumpet), Pierrick Pedron (alto sax) and Sal La Rocca (bass). Sal met American singer Denise King through French pianist Olivier Hutman. They formed a trio that performed in what is referred to as the Benelux States (Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg) and France.
In 2013, Sal released his second album "It Could Be The End" (featuring a number of original compositions) through Igloo Records. The group was comprised of Lorenzo Di Maio, Pascal Mohy, Hans van Oosterhout and Jacques Schwarz-Bart. Sal can be experienced live with his, and other groups at numerous world venues.
2013-14, Vaya Con Dios Farwell Tour, end tour @ Forest National (DVD Recording) and Sportpaleis.
2015, Sal is hired by Bob Mover and John Snauwaert for a tour of ten concerts in Belgium.
2016, He had the privilege of playing with the Sun Ra Arkestra for a short tour in Belgium and Holland.
Sun Ra Arkestra Same year (2016), recording in co-production of an album with Dani Klein (singer of Vaya Con Dios): “Dani Sings Billie”
2017, China Tour with Phil Abraham Quartet.
2017-18, Sal La Rocca played a few concerts with two famous French musicians like : Jacky terrasson & Stéphane Belmondo (with whom he had already played before, 2003 and 2005) in quartet with the young and talented Belgian drummer Antoine Pierre.
2018, Sal released his third album “Shifted” with : Jeroen van Herzeele (t. & s. sax), Pascal Mohy (piano & Wurlitzer) & Lieven Venken (drums) on IGLOO RECORDS & EL NEGOCITO RECORDS labels.
2019-20, Belgian Tour with Sal La Rocca Band Featuring Stéphane Belmondo (FR). CD recording with Sabin Todorov Trio “Archaeology”
2021, New band experience : “SLR 5” with : Steven Delannoye (t. & s. sax), Phil Abraham (tb), Igor Gehenot (piano) & Umberto Odone (drums). A sneak peek at bass player Sal La Rocca’s new band, and their upcoming release.
Sal can be experienced live with his, and other groups at numerous world venues.
Sal has shared the stage with an impressive list of talented musicians
Sal has shared the stage with an impressive list of talented musicians:
John RUOCCO, Harold LAND, Jack VAN POLL, Kris DEFOORT, Ali RYERSON, Paolo RADONI, John ENGELS, Michel HERR, Guy CABAY, Andre CECCARELLI, Bert JORIS, Jiggs WIGHAM, Steve GROSSMAN, Nico MENCI, Dave TURNER, Michel GRAILLIER, David LINX, Sheila JORDAN, Mark MURPHY, Lee KONITZ, Ada ROVATTI, Gordon BECK, Sangoma EVEREST, Stanley JORDAN, Anne DUCROS, Charlie MARIANO, Roni BEN-HUR, Bob MOOVER, , Randy BRECKER, Bob FRANCESCHINI, Richie BEIRACH, Scott HAMILTON, Didier LOCKWOOD, Tony LAKATOS, Roby LAKATOS, Bobby DURHAM, Steve WILLIAMS, Dani KLEIN, Olivier HUTMAN, Denise KING, Jacques SCHWARZ-BART, William LECOMTE, Pierrick PEDRON, Alvin QUEEN, Baptiste TROTIGNON, Sylvain BEUF, Sun Ra ARKESTRA Featuring Marshall ALLEN etc…
