Claudio Roditi
CubaBiography of Claudio Roditi
Claudio Roditi is a Brazilian musician, jazzman, trumpeter, composer, and arranger. He was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Roditi began his musical journey at a young age, starting with Brazilian rhythms at the age of five. However, he soon discovered a passion for jazz and was particularly influenced by the recordings of Louis Armstrong. By the age of thirteen, Roditi had listened to the best works of artists such as Harry James, Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, and Miles Davis.
At twenty years old, Roditi became a finalist in the International Jazz Competition held in Vienna. The following year, he moved to Mexico City to study contemporary music. In 1970, Roditi found a new home in Boston, where he enrolled in the Berklee School of Music. He later joined the School of Modern Music and began performing in clubs, expanding his repertoire.
In 1976, Roditi moved to New York City and faced tough competition in establishing himself as a jazz musician. However, he quickly proved his worth and started performing with local legends such as Joe Henderson, Charlie Rouse, Herbie Mann, Tito Puente, McCoy Tyner, and Paquito D'Rivera. He released a series of albums that showcased his jazz compositions with a distinct Brazilian flair.
Some of Roditi's most beloved albums include "Gemini Man" (1988), "Slow Fire" (1989), "Two Of Swords" (1991), "Milestones" (1992), "On The Run" (1993), "Free Wheelin'" and "Samba-Manhattan Style" (1995), "Claudio Roditi with the Metropole Orchestra" and "Jazz Turns Samba" (1996), as well as "Double Standards," "Mind Games Live," and "Claudio, Rio & Friends" (1997). In 1995, his collaboration with the symphony orchestra "Bossa Nova," Ettore Strata, and the Royal Philharmonic earned him a Grammy nomination.
From 2004, Roditi worked exclusively with the German recording company "Nagel Heyer," releasing several exceptional albums such as "Light in the Dark" (2004), "Three for One" (2004), "Reflections" (2005), and "Smile" (2006). Roditi's incredible technical skill and passion are evident in his performances, combining elements of classic post-bop with Brazilian rhythms. His music continues to be in high demand due to this unique blend.
Roditi's eclectic style has also allowed him to collaborate with various artists, including the "United Nations Orchestra" created by Dizzy Gillespie and the "Jazz Masters" led by Slide Hampton. To this day, Roditi remains actively involved in creating new music, blending the worlds of jazz and Brazilian music.
