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.

The transcription is presented here as a way in for new readers and for people who are new to Latin music. It is easy to read and easy to ‘feel’. There are some strange notes around Bars 32-33 and I am not sure whether I am hearing them right as they sound ‘wrong’ but not wrong enough to be wrong (no such thing as a wrong note, just a poot choice). Rodriguez don’t make poor choices so it is probably me.

The tune is the classic Eden Ahbez composition ‘Nature Boy’, performed here by Rodriguez on a bonus track on the 2019 Steve Khan album ‘Patchwork’.