For his Criss Cross debut, 33-year-old trumpet virtuoso Michael Rodriguez assembles a world-class New York quintet of generational peers (pianist Gerald Clayton and drummer Rodney Green) and mid-career masters (tenor saxophonist Chris Cheek and bassist Kiyoshi Kitagawa) to perform six kinetic originals and a single standard, Portrait of Jennie. Known for his creative melodic approach and pellucid tone via consequential engagementsover the last decade with, among others, Charlie Haden's Liberation Music Orchestra, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Bobby Watson, and Eddie Palmieri, Rodriguez blends youthful fire with a veteran's focus and mature intention, setting the tone for an immensely satisfying session.
