Ruben Rodriguez – Bass

Ruben Rodriguez was born in New York City and grew up in East Harlem and Puerto Rico. He has been recognized as one of the best and hardest working Latin music bass players in the United States. Mr. Rodriguez, who’s father played classical guitar, taught himself the bass in Junior High then spent some time under the tutelage of the esteemed bassist Victor Venegas.

Since getting his first break playing with Johnny Colon in 1979, he has worked with Grover Washington Jr., Roberta Flack, Ray Barreto, Charlie and Eddie Palmieri, The Fania All Stars, Tito Puente and Machito. His exhaustive discography includes his work with Marc Anthony, Tito Puente, India, Africando, Celia Cruz, Caribbean Jazz Project, Dave Samuels, Dave Valentin, Steve Khan, Willie Colon, David Byrne and Eddie Palmieri just to name a few. Along with his producer/friend, Sergio George, Ruben Rodriquez has been noted as revolutionizing the sound of contemporary popular Salsa.

I love these Steve Kahn Latin tunes, they are so in the pocket and they make great material for reading practice. I can read this one all the way through at the right tempo so it can’t be that hard! The melody has that lovely ‘out’ feel that Khan often gets with that weird effect he uses (no idea what it is). Sounds hip as f***.