Drumming News
Downbeat magazine features Willy Rodriguez in an interesting feature. The article explores the creative journey of Puerto Rican-born drummer and composer Willy Rodriguez, whose debut album Seeing Sounds reflects his diverse and boundary-pushing musical influences. Now based in New York City, Rodriguez seamlessly blends genres such as post-hard-bop, Afro-Cuban traditionalism, avant-garde jazz, and even doom rock. His versatility is showcased in his work with various jazz legends and his notable collaboration with the progressive rock band The Mars Volta, where he embraces a physically demanding, intense drumming style.
Rodriguez’s Seeing Sounds album is a complex, introspective work that captures the heart of jazz through a mix of intricate rhythms, spontaneous improvisation, and emotional depth. The album opens with “Beyond the Struggle,” inspired by John Coltrane, and includes tracks like “Roy’s Masterplan,” a tribute to jazz drumming icon Roy Haynes, and “Self Love,” a powerful drum solo reflecting Rodriguez’s personal experiences. Other pieces explore Rodriguez’s roots, such as “The Red-Tailed Hawk Is Going To Eat Your Babies,” which incorporates field recordings from his Puerto Rican backyard and a unique blend of jazz and ambient sounds.
In addition to his musical talent, Rodriguez’s album is also visually represented by eerie cover art that reflects his cultural influences and the raw, visceral energy of his music. Through Seeing Sounds, Rodriguez captures a multifaceted exploration of rhythm, emotion, and heritage, balancing his jazz roots with avant-garde experimentation and personal expression.
To read the article, please visit HERE
