Anthony Rodríguez is not a stranger in the Christian music world. He has had the pleasure to share stage with famous Hispanic singers as René González, Samuel Hernández, Orquesta Ebenezer, among many others.
This talented young man is taking Christian music to another level. With his distinguish style, he makes anybody move to the beat of the Latin Jazz.
In the last couple of years the Jazz Music has gained many acceptance among listeners of different ages. One of the most exquisite is the Latin Jazz. Even here in the United States Latin Jazz is part of a big movement. From Clubs to Radio Stations this phenomenon is gaining a prestige position in the music community. Suitable for all ears, this style is getting the place it deserves.
Decided to start producing his own projects Anthony and his friends formed a band called Poetology, but is not until the second record that they choose to use the band’s name in the project.
When younger, Anthony was introduced to Marc Anthony’s pianist, Juan A. González, who taught him some techniques and styles of different types of music. Since his 18 years he’s been playing with music Orchestras as Ebenezer and Xiaris, Ray and Nelson Colón, vocalists like René González, Samuel Hernández and Ezequiel Colón. Also had the pleasure to be invited to perform in secular TV shows on Azteca America Network. Now, with the passion for God in his blood he is working with the band Poetology with the release of “Poetology” their second CD.
GTFN had the pleasure to interviewe him and this is what he shared with us.
GTFN: Generally what’s your routine?
AR: Most of the time I minister in the church and also play in Christian cafe’s for christian and non-Christian audience. To those who enjoy Latin Jazz Music.
GTFN: What is the name of the band?
AR: Poetology, that means poetry through music.
GTFN: How many musicians does your band have?
AR: From 1 to 5, Piano, Bass, Congas, Drums and Saxophone. Depending on the style. From Piano Concerts to Latin Jazz.
GTFN: What kind of music Poetology plays?
AR: The main style we play is Latin Music, but sometimes we play other types depending on the mood, like Swing, Pop, Zamba, but the main style we play is the Latin Caribbean style merged with Jazz music.
GTFN: How do you minister the word of God through your music?
AR: I look at it this way, Christian people normally go to regular Clubs to listen to Jazz, so our main goal is to keep this people from going to these Clubs. Is not that I got something against that, but the music you receive from that places stays there when you leave. And the difference from my music, of what I do, Is that I give the Glory to God, and that’s something you take with you. And no matter what’s going on in your life when you listen to the music we play in the Club or in the CD your are listening to music that is anointed, played by Christian musicians. So our goal is to show God through our music.
GTFN: That’s a wonderful goal! And how’s the feedback from the audience?
AR: Absolutely! We have positive feedbacks because we try to play music for all ages, we have the Latin style that generally impact more younger audience and also we play more classic style combining Saxophone and piano that is more attractive for a more mature audience. And because there are no many Christian Jazz musician when they hear this kind of music we receive many positive feedbacks.
GTFN: How Poetology begins?
AR: In 2006 my close friend, which is the drummer, his name is Juan, we start thinking about the music, we came up with the name, which is as you know Poetology, and boom! we went to the studio and record a song. When we had a set of song we decided to go forward and start the music ministry. In January 2006 we start with the idea and promoting the first CD.
GTFN: What are your future projects?
AR: Well, right now we are concentrate to finish our second album, title as the band “Poetology”. The first album was called “The Harvest of the Lord”. The second album is going to be more Caribbean, but will still have the Jazz, with more spice of the Caribbean Styles, Puerto Rican and Cuban rhythms. I’m excited to hear the final product.
GTFN: Which are the future goals?
AR: I would like to get to the level to help other artists, recording more albums and help others, those who has talent that want to incursion in the instrumental music, because there’s no only Jazz but other styles in the instrumental music categories that Christians are not used to hear from Christian artists.
GTFN: How do you feel performing with other artist with different styles?
AR: When I used to be a freelance musician I played Christian Salsa, Pop, R&B and many other styles, but I decided to play Latin Jazz, no that I didn’t like to work with other styles, because that help me a lot, I never reject any opportunity and I love it; but with Jazz I can express myself more through the piano as a Latin that I am.
GTFN: You know GTFN will be distributed all over the World, from Canada to Japan, If someone from these places would love to have the music, How accessible your music will be for countries from all over the World?
AR: Right now we are working in the distribution process, First in the United State and then Puerto Rico, Cuba... everywhere!
GTFN: Your music will be available in the Internet?
AR: Right now the first album is available in the web through MySpace and my web site.
GTFN: Do you have any message for the new generation of musicians?
AR: Sure, whoever has talent that God has given, keep practicing and always be faithful, always do things right. Don’t let anyone discourage you because this is something you give to the Lord and Him alone. Anything you want to do and everything you want to achieve, keep you look forward, keep your eyes specially on God. Things get difficult, but having your eyes on God will guide you through those difficulties. Having a ministry, not only as a musician but any ministry, you have to remember that your serving the Kingdom, no matter if you’re going to preach or to play, make sure you have the anointing because everybody will know for whom you're playing for. When you look to serve God you are looking for a long term position and everything you do you're doing it for God, and for Him alone is the Glory.
If you are a fan of Latin Jazz Music, let me tell you, Poetology is a record you can’t miss. Not only because is really good music but is music filled with God.
Congratulation Anthony and Poetology. God Bless you!
