Michael Rodriguez

rumpet ace and Grammy winner Michael Rodriguez is seriously in-demand on the New York scene, having earned spots in the trumpet sections of top bands like the Toshiko Akiyoshi Orchestra, the Chico O’Farrill Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra, the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, the Carnegie Hall Jazz Band, the Carla Bley Band, and many others. His Latin roots and penchant for exploration have also earned him membership in iconic groups with Charlie Haden, Joe Lovano, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, and Yosvany Terry.

Michael studied at University of Miami and the New School University in New York. He has performed and toured with artists such as Clark Terry, Bobby Watson, Quincy Jones, Jessica Simpson, and Charlie Haden’s Liberation Music Orchestra. Michael has also performed and traveled with Jon Faddis, the Clayton Brothers, Kenny Barron, Conrad Herwig, Harry Connick, Jr., Bob Mintzer, Eddie Palmieri, Herbie Hancock, and Chick Corea, among others. In December of 2003 Michael recorded on Charlie Haden’s Grammy award winning album featuring Gonzalo Rubalcaba and Joe Lovano entitled ¨Land of the Sun¨. Michael has also recorded on Charlie Haden’s Liberation Music Orchestra’s latest album entitled “Not in Our Name” and is featured on “America the Beautiful” and Dvojak’s “Going Home”. In 2008, Michael became a member of the Gonzalo Rubalcaba quintet and recorded “Avatar” under the Blue Note Label.

Michael and his brother, pianist Robert Rodriguez, have recorded four albums together, including Introducing the Rodriguez Brothers, Conversations, Mood Swing, and their most recent album Impromptu, which was nominated for a Grammy for Best Latin Jazz Album in 2015. Michael’s 2013 debut recording as a leader, Reverence, is on CrissCross.

Michael joins the SJW faculty for the first time this summer. He is a passionate teacher, being a faculty member in the New York University Jazz Department, and giving clinics around the world.