I had some confusing musical interests growing up in suburban Cincinnati. My first influences came from my parents and included Cuban greats Beny More, Orlando Contreras, and Orchestra Aragon while my first recollection of American singers included Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, and John Denver. It wasn't until my teenage years that I started listening to my friends’ music. Boy did it freak out my parents. Imagine the culture shock as a heavy dose of Zeppelin, Skynyrd, Doors, Maiden, Priest, Sex Pistols, and Rush booms from my room and car speakers. I discovered Spanish rock groups Mana, Enanitos Verdes, and Soda Stereo which made the transition easier.
With age comes experience and a maturing attitude. At times I get home sick and will listen to merengue and salsa. I still regress and listen to my classic rock and metal but when I pick up my guitar, the metal madness disappears into a mellower groove.
After years of playing in classic rock cover bands and at school events, I decided to start trying to bring my musical ideas to fruition. When I first tried to put some original material together, I found the songs I had been holding onto for decades a bit outdated and no longer representative of whom I had become.
I've completed a full album of material and I hope you enjoy what I have..
This collection of songs is based on my life experiences and is a very personal journey structured around my thoughts, my philosophies, and the ramblings of an absent minded physics professor.
I hope I can catch you at my next open mic.
Toma mi mano y aquí nos vamos
Jeff Rodriguez
