As a child, I was always trying to imitate the drums. When my parents would listen to music or take me to parties, I wanted to mimic the rhythm of the songs. It was just something I was drawn to.
My parents put a lot of effort into making me understand that being a professional musician took discipline and practice. At the same time, I had a really happy childhood, playing with my friends on the streets of Havana and surrounded by family. I was outside way more than I see kids outside now. I was always playing sports with my friends.
From my dad I inherited his ability to bring a lot of passion and focus into things. My music is the beneficiary of that. My mother, on the other hand, is very relaxed and goes with the flow. Most importantly though, they have been the best educators, so I have inherited a lot of knowledge from them. I realise that this is a gift not everyone receives.
Everyone who surrounded me influenced me and motivated me. When you are a kid, you are around (hopefully) your parents. So, my mom and dad are directly responsible for who I am. But my teachers also shaped who I became. My friends as well. It is so hard to label just one influence because that’s life; it takes a village to form a person.
When I was 13, my uncle gave me a live Keith Jarrett album: The Köln Concert. It changed my life. It is the reason I began to spend hours sitting at the piano everyday improvising. Up until then I was only playing classical music.
The hardest thing I’ve had to overcome is crossing the border from Mexico into the US. The mental strength it took to leave my family and girlfriend was immeasurable. I didn’t know when I was going to see them again.
The first week I was in the US, I played for Quincy Jones. He always encouraged me to respect my roots and be honest about who I am. He inspired and motivated me so much to keep discovering who I am and to always embrace the process.
My biggest asset is perseverance. I have been in many situations where people have told me that I wasn’t going to make it as a professional musician. One of my teachers actually told my parents that they didn’t think I had it in me. It took perseverance to push through all of that. I have always felt that I wanted to be a musician. I wanted it for me, not for anyone else. It is part of my life and I need to do it everyday. It is like drinking water for me. I need it every day to live.
A underrated virtue is organisation. It is super important for the individual and for society. It’s a simple thing can change things in demanding situations, but is often overlooked.
I would tell my younger self, follow your intuition. That is the only way you can make dreams happen. You need effort, sacrifice, and things still won’t come easy. I was fortunate enough to love music and have a talent for it at a young age. If I hadn’t 100% trusted myself that it would work, and that it was worth the effort, my life would be completely different.
I am indebted to the dedicated and talented musicians around me. Whether it is the ones who have inspired me, performed with me, etc. These are all people that have made a crazy impact on my life and career. There are people who aren’t even alive today that, because they inspired me, I still thank them.
Mottos are great for inspiration, but real life motivation comes from the people around you and the events you go through. I take in the lessons from people around me and use them to push me forward.
The historical figure I most admire is Jose Martí, the Cuban poet. Not only do I admire his writing but the way he fought for freedom for our country.
My living heroes are my family, my teachers, friends and musicians that I have played with. We as humans can choose where we place ourselves, but also the people we surround ourselves with. I choose to be surrounded by people who are heroes to me or inspire me.
My greatest achievement is my daughter. 100%. She is who I care about more than anything in the world.
I believe in life, prosperity and humanity. I am a very positive person. I try to bring a positive side to each problem and difficult moment. It comes through in my music.
I don’t like to ponder on negative thoughts. I try to transform things into strengths and something positive. I’m saddened by people who genuinely have bad intentions for humanity.
This is the first time that I am playing with my trio at Jazz Cafe. Last time I was there, I played in a duo with Pedrito Martinez. It was a beautiful, sold out night and it has become one of my favourite places to play
Alfredo Rodriguez will play at the Jazz Cafe on Tuesday 16 May
https://thejazzcafelondon.com/event/alfredo-rodriguez-trio/
