Julius Rodriguez: Tiny Desk Concert

Ashley Pointer | July 10, 2024
There was a palpable curiosity in the audience as to who Julius Rodriguez was before the artist and his band took their places behind the Desk. But the crowd was headbanging as soon as the grooves started. The band’s energy emanated into the crowd, and it was like we were teleported to a house show with old friends. There weren’t many words exchanged throughout this 23-minute set, just hearty laughs and chuckles, juxtaposed by virtuosic playing. “I’m not a big words guy,” Rodriguez said towards the end of his performance, “but I will say that being here is such an honor and a dream come true. I’m very glad to have some of my best friends and the greatest musicians in the world with me.”
While the New York-bred and Los Angeles-based pianist and multi-instrumentalist has been regarded as a young master in the jazz world, his sophomore album, Evergreen, expands his sound beyond any simple categorization. Backed by Brian Richburg Jr on drums, Philip Norris on upright bass, Alonzo Demetrius on trumpet and Chris Lewis on sax, they kick off the performance with the infectious, gospel-tinged “Run To It (The CP Song).” Rodriguez follows with the uplifting “Around The World,” as he shows off his chops in a dizzying whirl of solos that transition seamlessly into a moving tribute, “Elegy (For Cam),” dedicated to the late actor Cameron Boyce, and then into the lush and soulful “Love Everlasting.” Returning to his debut album Let Sound Tell All, Rodriguez closes his set with “Gift Of The Moon.”
SET LIST
“Run To It (The CP Song)”
“Around The World”
“Elegy (For Cam)”
“Love Everlasting”
“Gift Of The Moon”
MUSICIANS
Julius Rodriguez: keys
Alonzo Demetrius: trumpet, flugelhorn
Chris Lewis: tenor saxophone, soprano saxophone
Philip Norris: bass
Brian Richburg Jr: drums
TINY DESK TEAM
Producers: Ashley Pointer, Bobby Carter
Director: Joshua Bryant
Audio Technical Director: Hannah Gluvna
Editor: Kara Frame
Videographers: Joshua Bryant, Kara Frame, Estefania Mitre, Mitra I. Arthur
Audio Engineer: David Greenburg
Photographer: Sofia Seidel
Tiny Desk Team: Hazel Cills, Maia Stern
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
Series Creators: Bob Boilen, Stephen Thompson
VP, Visuals and Music: Keith Jenkins
#tinydesk #nprmusic #juliusrodriguez

[@flaggaaron123]

👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 More Juilliard Jazz alumni out here doing their thing!!! Go Julius Rodriguez (piano), Philip Norris (bass) and Chris Lewis (tenor sax) 🎷 !! Proud of you all.

[@njebony1956]

Great comment!

[@themusicwriter1]

He did some stuff with Julliard Alum Morgan James as well. Also some work with the incomparable Samara Joy.

[@cstarks73]

Nice smooth flow. Whoever is finding these groups at NPR need a raise! KUDOS 🎉

[@dameinoferrall2400]

for real

[@dwightneal1]

Facts! You're absolutely right

[@leorleorleor111]

Within the first 10 seconds, I was already adding his albums to my streaming library. 👏

[@amayawson477]

Seriously, I looked him up on Wiki. I was like, who is this genius?

[@reesedickerson6050]

Me too

[@MundiaKamau]

The first 10 seconds of the performance above captivated you, you say?🙂Motown founder, Berry Gordy, used to say that the first 10 seconds of a song determined whether it would become a hit a not, so Berry Gordy, in his time at a Motown, really placed an emphasis on song intros🙂Regards, Michael M. Kamau, Nairobi, Kenya, East Africa, 29th July 2024.

[@champ4jc]

Facts

[@NatetheAceOfficial]

Had me hooked from the first piano riff. Great sound all around.

[@J3unG]

Nice to see more jazz on this show. Keep going with this. Julius is a helluva pianist and deserves more hype.

[@mustafaa965]

Thank you Tiny Desk again for introducing me to another new artist that I didn't know anything about, but I appreciate the introduction!!!

[@danoconn]

He's on tour go check him out

[@lynncupit18]

Me too! ♥️🎵♥️🎵

[@natashaclay2597]

@mustafaa965 Same here!

[@IcedCrit]

Shoutout my cousin Alonzo on the trumpet, MAKING IT UP THERE ONE STEP AT A TIME

[@tulsacaupain2882]

So sweet. I ad my appreciation 🎉🎉🎉 Go Alonzo

[@dmc2008]

We see you Alonzo!!

[@artalanfavorite254]

Great playing Alonzo, really appreciate your sound

[@RiaanPretorius]

Yo cousin is fire!

[@david100r3]

Juliuuuuuus on npr tiny desk best news of the day 🔥🎹

[@dwarner207]

Thanks Tiny Desk for introducing me to Julius Rodriguez!

[@HM55-77]

Welcome to the club !!

[@chicagobae173]

Tiny Desk is the culture. Y’all make memories through a screen. It’s a blessing everytime I discover a new artist here. 🙏🏽

[@ZippyLeroux]

Tiny Desk is an excellent example of Steven Pinker's concept that things are better than they have ever been and continuing to improve. 200 years ago maybe a couple thousand people would have seen a band like this, once in their lifetimes... and NPR, tiny desk, and the internet, present the world with a literally endless parade of excellence and something for everyone. All any of us can do is bask, celebrate and give thanks. Thank you all!

[@WhizMitchell]

This…is real music.

[@TheNorville2]

Yep, I had fallen off the wagon.

[@juancito162]

Nah fr ! Mhm good for the soul

[@user-so4jf7mi1x]

Let my puppy out and couldn’t go back to sleep. stumbled across this just being released. Good day 😎

[@MarquesTheProducer]

I’ve seen Julius live like three times! Once alongside Meshell Ndegeocello, once at Smalls Jazz Club and another time at Blue Note!

[@rocketbrothers540]

Wonderful player, I have seen him at Smalls several times. Fantastic and fun player

[@dameinoferrall2400]

It's almost like TD never misses. Just incredible artist after incredible artist. Really great work guys! Truly!

[@acekombat2k5]

23 minutes and 54 seconds of being absolutely effortlessly secured in the pocket.

[@derrickaf1]

What a treat...Mr. Julius Rodriguez and Tiny Desk:)! Thank you...

[@Pshell]

I thoroughly enjoyed this entire set! Thank you Tiny Desk for introducing me to this artist! Will definitely stream more of his music 🎶 Grace and peace ✌🏾 to everyone 💜

[@philfichtinger3009]

that first break when the horns come in, goosebumps. what a vibe! well done, gang!

[@re-voiced4470]

Loving being introduced to an artist like this! Amazing music. Thanks Tinydesk from a U.K. viewer

[@TheNorville2]

He is in Ronnies Scots in October...

[@jeanwestcott915]

Each note is given a voice, fully intentioned and respected. I could listen to "Elegy (for Cam)" for hours, so beautiful. Thank you Tiny Desk and thank you to this amazing combo.

[@scottoman]

the guy on bass makes me want to learn

[@kyleezekiel2095]

Been following him for years on IG exclusively. So happy that he got his own tiny desk concert. Just what I needed this morning

[@dokko1231]

He reminds me of a young Herbie in Driftin'. Such a good feel to his sound~

[@MundiaKamau]

Same here, actually🙂Julius Rodriguez's jazz tracks remind me of jazz tracks that were hits in the 1970s and 1980s, such as "Mountain Dance," "Nice Shot," and "Brazilica" jazz tracks of the 1970s and 1980s by the likes of Herbie Hancock, as you mention, Dave Grusin, Sadao Watanabe, Ramsey Lewis and Bob James. Regards, Michael M. Kamau, Nairobi, Kenya, East Africa, 29th July 2024.

[@Milenab1422]

Beautiful beaaaatiful music, thanks NPR for help us discovering amazing artists like Julius

[@BlvckJack]

WOW!! 🎶👏👏👏👏

[@mspiperp]

What a great way to start my day 🎶😊

[@0917chisato]

凄過ぎて、何度も繰り返し観ちゃいます🥹

[@DeeDee-hz6wf]

Absolutely fanfriggingtastic ✌️ ❤

[@Daruma_Studio]

As a pianist... I need to study this dude. Wow.

[@OrangeJuliusMusic]

bud powell, mccoy tyner, thelonious monk, herbie hancock, art tatum, oscar peterson, jaki byard, andrew hill, richard tee, chick corea...and listen to singers

[@Jamienewman0]

The arrangement for the piano solo in "Around The World" is the craziest thing I've heard in a bit.

[@Lengsham]

I second that! Crazy time signature!

[@Gestureye7x]

i third that! i’m spinning 😵‍💫🫨😵 incredible stuff!

[@TiqueO6]

Beautiful and a study in sustained upbeats, everybody playing them "tutti" like that, always a test of relaxation and syncopation combined, great for the unity of a band and really stretching for elevation, if you can play upbeats continually over many bars in a relaxed fashion, well you're halfway there so to speak...

[@DerekGTaylor]

Thank you, thank you, thank you ⌐Ⓗ-Ⓕ

[@maestrophilkell]

@@TiqueO6… or you play guitar in a ska band.

[@jeffscott4757]

Most refreshing, musically different sound I’ve heard in a long long time. Bravo! Fantastic! 🙂🙂🙂👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻❤️❤️❤️

[@lemiffe]

WHAT?!?!?! That moment at minute 12 was just... lifting... to another level... that was BEAUTIFUL. Words can't describe the beauty of that piano moment. Absolutely breathtaking. Thank you.

[@desmorga6757]

Feels like a livestream gig when you're here this early

[@mydogsareneat]

Even now I feel like I snuck in the back door for a lil show I didn't even know was happening. (Feels awesome)

[@shannonolivas9524]

Huh?

[@sallysson]

Indeed

[@KevinMerinoCreations]

Fantastic music! Great musicians! 👏👏👏

[@ElRayDelRio]

Adding this to my playlist!!! 👏🏽

[@JohnBato-Borja]

sooo cool to see Phil here, he's such an incredible bass player, especially so young. Go check out some of his stuff with emmet cohen!

[@baconbreath1898]

I saw this guy open for a cautious Clay show in 2022, he had me engaged the whole time front to start, very excited to watch this!

[@HSetonNotes]

Yassss. Been digging the new album and now this arrives. Thank you NPR! Julius is the future!!

[@robin80000]

I first learned about this artist here, and he is talented and wonderful. I look forward to seeing more of your work in the future.👏👏👏

[@champ4jc]

I'm so into this. I'm hearing shades of Vince Guaraldi but with a Carlos Santana-like ability to find ear-wormy hooks everywhere. Throw in some Richard Tee as well. This is wonderful music that works on some many levels!

[@Auldhelm]

Felt like floating on an island of Jazz

[@daigo1952]

Haven't tried a TDC for a while and found this. Really like it! Reminds me of 60s-70s jazz, when I really liked this stuff. Getting back into it and this helps.

[@BreakdownBrass]

Beautiful and swinging performance from Julius and the crew!

[@anthonyscott2202]

I have known Julius for a long time. I have seen the growth and strength of his music. I could not be more happier than what I am now! Tiny Desk never fails!

[@zapbutton8553]

npr always good to find new gems i didn't know before, (shame on me) i am stunned but my legs are swinging already, big smile from germany

[@sallysson]

Yes, great way to start the day. Just the right vibe. Thanks Tiny Desk!

[@chrisdidiot7138]

Oh yeah good morning!!!

[@danceadabsurdum]

Blown away! This is amazing, glad to see Julius and co on here.

[@cycyj847]

Haven't listened to jazz in a few months, now I have to. Great musicians all around!

[@KashG901]

This Jazz ensemble is 🔥🔥🔥🔥!

[@kareneverett125]

SO TALENTED !!!! & SHOUT OUT TO HIS FELLOW MUSICIANS, WELL DONE !!!! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥😃😃😃😃❤❤❤❤❤

[@cleidifigueira2430]

amazing the energy that transmits this tiny concert!!!

[@santinobritez4733]

Thanks God for this overwhelming amount of beauty and grace exprese thru this amazing people. I think this is love at first sight thanks NPR

[@EzCane]

My 9 month old and me watched in awe

[@Kworshipper]

I’m absolutely wowed. These artists are incredible!! Thanks Tiny Desk!

[@lokithor83]

this is gonna be my work background music for at least the end of this month

[@yogapower1]

Way to starting the day

[@BassByTheBay]

Remarkable band, but I gotta give some bass love to Mr. Norris who's so deep in the pocket, he's nearly invisible 😎. Stellar playing by everyone.

[@jandirmatos4330]

What a great way to start the day ☕

[@winehousted90]

He’s AMAZING !!!! I love his cover of “All I Do” it’s just euphoric ✨so appreciative they put him on here ❤❤❤

[@MTBPA]

Julius and friends are amazing. Headbanging indeed!!!👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 BRAVO!!!

[@NationalJazzMuseuminHarlem]

Sounds great Julius! Keep doing your thing.

[@garymcmurdie6058]

Oh YEAH!

[@ky0kat6]

WOW! Love this!! Thank you NPR for blessing my feed with this - love finding new musicians with this vibe

[@danoconn]

Been looking forward to this one

[@davidvallone1476]

Love TDC's This sweetness to my ears and soul. True talent.. Not the typical mainstream 1% talent 99% show over produced prepackaged garbage flooding the music world..

[@franki.5845]

Very good!!

[@sidsmiff]

Well that was just great! I held my breath watching Elegy for Cam. I’m adding Julius to my ever expanding music wishlist.

[@elliotselmon7581]

They sound GREAT together, and Julius is AMAZING on those keys!!

[@Rachel-sv9pq]

Glad I clicked on this even though I didn't know the name. I expect we'll be hearing from him for a very long time.

[@TheNorville2]

Great to listen to Jazz again, I have been failing my roots.....

[@marykalin5753]

Amazing. AMAZING

[@rosemarywatson1231]

Ah go head now! I never heard of this young man, but he has my vote!

[@weaponiron1870]

Loved what you did with Marc Rebillet ! God bless you 🫡

[@johnnyprovo7157]

Can't wait to see him run his own thing at Newport this summer: He was great with Kurt Elling/Charlie Hunter band last year, but this year is gonna be even better, i am sure!!

[@Amber.BE13]

impeccable timing and arranging. WOWOWOWOWOWOW. Stunning. Pure raw talent the entire band.

[@bgknowable]

Thank you childrens, auntie need you today❤😂! Masterful musicians.

[@danasmith1766]

Wow. This is Talent.

[@alonzoburns4289]

Gifted 🎹 player Julian Rodriguez and band.

It's always the same with Tiny Desk. I listen to an artist unknown to me and five seconds in I'm in love.

[@jackettech]

Their sound is pristine!

[@NCBrooks11]

YES JULIUS!!!!!

[@rocketbrothers540]

Been catching this cat for a while in the NYC Jazz scene. Amazing player!

[@danperez2297]

At 23:06, pause and pull up Kamasi Washington's 'Clair de Lune', it's a perfect follow-up to this live performance. Amazing stuff here.

[@RiaanPretorius]

Awesome to see that Jazz is still alive and well!

[@davidmillar2594]

This is incredible.

[@janicebourdage3567]

Wow! My mood just got lifted!

[@KonstaSedneff]

Great perfomance 🙂

[@jono_young_music]

Completely sublime 🎧✨

[@sua1974]

Loved this! ✨

[@byronpink9061]

So smoothly and flavorful this melody of tones. Loving the chords and Rythm. Such a down home vibe here. A fellow pianist loving this! Fantastic job!

[@julianwwilson]

Yessirrrrrrs!

[@TheTopcat1441]

Yo! Around the World though!? Those hits?! 🔥

[@hendrik_smock]

magnificent

[@GodupInc]

What a musical adventure!!!!!!🎹🎶🎼🎵

[@Retrogamer71]

This Jazz Pianist is really a happening scene.

[@michaelreaves4007]

Yes sir! Well done my brothers

[@sarcher011]

This 🔥

[@waltermanuel1935]

NPR did it again thank you for introducing me to Julius Rodriguez. I didn't know what to expect. This group will go a long ways. Its fresh and new with old jazz band classic sound. I throughly enjoyed the group....