Sounds of Space

Personnel: Alfredo Rodriguez (piano).Audio Mixers: Dave Way; Cristián Robles; Humberto Gatica.Recording information: Downtown Studios, New York, NY; Westlake Studios, Hollywood, CA.Photographer: Anna Webber.In 2006, the extraordinarily inventive, globally conscious Cuban pianist Alfredo Rodriguez was selected to perform at the Montreux Jazz Festival -- where he was invited to a gathering at the home of the festival's founder/director Claude Nobs, who asked him if he would play for Quincy Jones. Smitten ever since with the young virtuoso, Q not only calls him "one of the most prolific and gifted jazz pianists of the 21st century," but also developed Rodriguez's career and co-produced his rhythmically eclectic debut. Sounds of Space, whose sci-fi title reflects the dynamic personal adventure the pianist embarks on, launches with the multi-movement "Qbafrica," a swirl of hypnotic percussion, plucky bass, and colorful swatches of piano that draw from everything from Brazilian and African t