‘We have updated cars, technology, ways of dressing and communicating. Why not update sounds and ways of creating?’ This is the source of inspiration for Julius Rodriguez, a post-90s pianist hailed as the future star of jazz, during his creation. Julius Rodriguez, also known as ‘Orange Julius’, is an American pianist, drummer and composer. In his music, jazz, avant-garde, R&B, hip-hop and pop music all become indispensable elements.
Regarding music, Julius Rodriguez has a clear understanding and firm belief. He believes that music should break boundaries and serve a wider audience. He doesn’t like to use the word ‘jazz’ to limit his musical style. He hopes that people can open their hearts and listen to all the elements and emotions contained in his music. Explore the musical styles that result from the fusion and collision of various factors from his hometown, church and jazz club experiences. On November 28 and 29, 2024 in Shanghai, and on November 30 and December 1 in Beijing! Julius Rodriguez will bring his new album ‘Evergreen’ and take you to break through genre sounds and experience what true jazz freshness is! Born in 1998 into a family of Haitian descent, Julius Rodriguez has taken piano lessons since he was three. At the same time, under the guidance of his father, he was exposed to and fell in love with the musical worlds of jazz legends such as John Coltrane, Thelonious Monk and Duke Ellington. During his growing years, Julius Rodriguez played keyboards, drums and accordions in black churches. At the age of 11, he performed Duke Ellington’s classic masterpiece ‘Take the A Train’ at the Small Jazz Club in Greenwich Village, New York, stunning the audience. During his adolescence, Julius Rodriguez received seven years of pre-college courses at the Manhattan School of Music and participated in the summer music program at the Berklee College of Music. At the same time, he also joined the ‘YoungArts Foundation’ that cultivates new talents in college arts, further strengthening his musical foundation. During this period, his musical vision was also greatly expanded and he began to listen to the music of artists such as Stevie Wonder, The Beatles and Solange.After graduating, he entered the Juilliard School for further study. In addition, he joined the experimental jazz orchestra Onyx Collective led by saxophonist Isaiah Barr and served as an accompanist for the tour of rap superstar A$AP Rocky, playing keyboards and guitars. This experience not only accumulated valuable stage experience for him but also won him opportunities to collaborate with legendary artists such as trumpeter Wynton Marsalis, Roy Hargrove, Grammy-winning R&B singer Macy Gray, and jazz singer Kurt Elling. Julius Rodriguez’s musical talent is not limited to the field of jazz. He has also participated in the creation and recording of cross-genre music, including the album ‘The Omnichord Real Book’ that won the first Best Alternative Jazz Album Award at the Grammy Awards in cooperation with bassist and singer-songwriter Meshell Ndegeocello, and producing music for the Grammy-winning best-selling song ‘No Problem’ by rapper Chance The Rapper. In piano playing, Julius Rodriguez draws inspiration from many legendary musicians and forms his own unique playing style. He deeply studied the musical style of Thelonious Monk and understood the importance of musical harmony. Julius Rodriguez learned to incorporate the playing styles of other instruments into piano playing from Bud Powell, learned the finger touch when playing the piano from Hank Jones, felt the diversity of music from Herbie Hancock, learned to use drama and tension effects in piano playing from Ahmad Jamal, experienced the lyrical texture in piano music from Aaron Parks, and learned the unadorned piano playing style from Jason Moran. In drum playing, he is also influenced by legendary drummers such as Philly Joe Jones, Art Blakey, Roy Haynes, Tony Williams, Jeff ‘Tain’ Watts, and Chris ‘Daddy’ Dave, and mastered rich drum language and kinetic energy generation techniques.
In 2022, Julius Rodriguez released his debut album ‘Let Sound Tell All’. In this album, his talents in playing piano, drums, synthesizer, organ, as well as music composition and album production are fully demonstrated. Each song in the album is full of creativity and surprises. There are pieces like ‘Gift Of The Moon’ that cleverly combines pop rock and jazz melodies. There is also the psychedelic jazz piece ‘Two Way Street’ that pays tribute to John Coltrane’s classic quartet. There are also simple yet profound gospel pieces like ‘Where Grace Abounds’ and gospel songs played in classical piano style like ‘In Heaven’. These works not only show his outstanding musical talent but also reflect his profound understanding and love for music. In addition, Julius Rodriguez also plays in the highly successful ‘Blue Giant’ anime soundtrack MOMENTUM series. In 2024, a new album titled ‘Evergreen’ was released. When asked about the name of this album, Julius Rodriguez said: ‘It’s different from what you think of when you hear the word ‘jazz’, but it contains all the elements that I have always adhered to in music. You just need to open your heart and listen.’ ‘Evergreen’ kicks off with ‘Mission Statement’. Julius Rodriguez nimbly jumps on the keyboard. His notes circulate around the silky bass line and then cleverly transition to the chattering, crisp cymbal sound and the saxophone solo that seems to explore the boundless horizon. This new original work that incorporates and fuses various styles presents a grander and bolder sound. It is full of fun and joy while also showing the creator’s great ambition and bold innovative spirit. Now, at only 26 years old, Julius Rodriguez has held hundreds of performances and enjoys a glorious reputation as a forward-looking accompanist. He has received extensive recognition and praise for his unique musical style and interpretation. Just like his alias ‘Orange Julius’, his music will always be full of vitality, freshness and creativity. Other members of the band: Myles Martin. Myles Martin is a young and accomplished drummer from San Jose, California.
Currently residing in Los Angeles, his main goal and aspiration is to create music with peers and musicians whom he truly respects and admires.
Brandon Rose, a versatile American artist and musician from Detroit, was influenced by Motown music and obtained a degree in jazz studies from Michigan State University. With sponsorship from several major brands and guidance from bass legends, he has collaborated with numerous well-known artists and integrated various styles such as jazz, gospel, and hip-hop in his self-produced projects, aiming to inspire and uplift through music. Emilio Modeste, a saxophonist and composer from New York City, is best known for his collaborative performances with the late trumpet master Wallace Roney. He is currently on tour with the bands of Stanley Clarke, Cindy Blackman Santana, and Julius Rodriguez. Mission Statement Chemical X Around the World Rise and Shine Champion’s Call Blues At The Barn Butterfly Dora’s Lullaby Funmi’s Groove Gift of the Moon Like You did Love Everlasting Momentum Run To IT Where Grace Abounds Many Times Two Way Street Date: November 28th, 29th, 2024 (Thursday, Friday) Doors open at: 18:30 Performance starts at: 20:00 Venue: 3rd Floor, CITIC Plaza, 867 North Sichuan Road, Hongkou District, Shanghai (Entrance along North Sichuan Road, direct access via mall elevators) Single seat ticket: ￥280 (Early bird) ￥340 (Full price) The full event is open from 11/28-11/29, with performance times and durations subject to the live event.
