Genre-bending artist, David Rodgers has combined his
classical training and jazz roots in his sophomore album, Doorways, which is
set for release on Sept.1.
“‘Doorways’
is a symbolic project, representing the many ways we interact with change. A
doorway can represent either coming towards or leaving an opportunity – often
times it signifies both simultaneously,” commented Rodgers about the meaning
behind the album.
Rodgers
invited nearly 50 Nashville-based musicians to contribute to the ten tracks
that constitute the album, which is an honest reflection of Jazz and improvised
instrumental music. All of Rodgers’ diverse inspirations, implications and
truths are interwoven through the tracklisting. He hopes that people feel a
connection to his music as they listen through the album. “Without trying to
dictate a prescribed experience, I hope the diversity in the music reflects the
truth of diversity in our environments,” explains Rodgers.
From songs
that were influenced by Jazz in the 1950s and 1960s to others which were
written while on tour, Rodgers has chosen pieces that compositionally reflect
the musical environment of Jazz in Nashville and highlight the strengths the
musicians he worked with on the project. One of the stand-out tracks from the
album, “Diamond Dave,” is a homage to the most memorable year of his life on
the road with Taj Mahal and Keb’ Mo’. “Every evening either Keb’ or Taj would
introduce the band and come up with different little tidbits, stories, or jokes
for each band member. One night Keb’ introduced me, ‘All the way from Pasadena,
CA…’ to which Taj interrupted, roaring ‘Diamond Dave!’ Everyone on stage
doubled over laughing, and the nickname stuck,” commented Rodgers.
Rodgers
believes musicians are the music. His goal was to create landscapes or musical
structures that would cater to the creative strengths of the musicians and
allow for the greatest freedom of expression for the musicians on the record.
Rodgers explains, “People usually think of Nashville as Country music central.
But there’s an incredible depth of creativity that extends well-beyond the
mainstream. ‘Doorways’ takes you behind the scenes and offers a glimpse at the
unique, relevant music brewing just below the surface in Music City.”
Following
the release of his debut album, Songs For a Generation, Rodgers has toured
worldwide performing everywhere from the Hollywood Bowl in L.A, to the Montreux
Jazz Festival in Switzerland. Time off the road gave Rodgers the time to pour
into this new project. Consisting of all of his own original compositions and
arrangements, it is music that blends the influences he discovered while on the
road with the hip-hop generation he lives and creates within.
Since
graduating from Vanderbilt Blair School of Music, Rodgers life has been a
whirlwind of change. He began touring with Blues legends, Keb’ Mo’ & Taj
Mahal as part of their 2017-2018 TajMo International Tour and has continued to
tour with Keb’ Mo’s band as keyboardist and musical director. Due to his extensive
resume, Rodgers sound is a culmination of many influences. Doorways provides
the listener a glimpse into his constantly changing musical scenery.
California native and current Nashville resident, David Rodgers is one
of the most exciting young talents on the Jazz scene today. Currently an active
member of Keb’ Mo’s band as keyboardist and musical director, he has also
toured or performed with musicians including Taj Mahal, Kirk Whalum, and Jeff
Coffin worldwide at the Montreux Jazz Festival, North Sea Jazz Festival, and
the Playboy Jazz Festival, among many others. David is a graduate of Vanderbilt
University’s Blair School of Music where he pursued both classical and jazz
piano performance.
Combining
his classical training with deep improvisational roots in both jazz and blues,
David has won numerous competitions: the 2018 Belmont University Concerto
Competition, in which he won with his very own composition, “Concerto For Jazz
Piano & Orchestra;” the 2016 Vanderbilt University Concerto Competition;
and the 2016 James Miltenberger International Jazz Piano Competition.
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