Tributo A Rico Rodriguez Big Band

Andres Cotter

7" - 2024

Emmanuel Rodriguez (Rico), was born in La Habana, Cuba, on October 17th 1934. He was one of the most important trombone players from Jamaica.

He learned to play trombone at Alpha Boys School, the music school from where most of the best Jamaican musicians has come from, such as Johnny Moore, Yellowman, Lester Sterling or Roland Alphonso. His tutor was another pupil, Don Drummond, who later was one of the biggest Ska musicians.

Rico continued his musical training at Stoney Hill Music school and joined the Rastafari culture of Wareika Hills along with drummer Count Ossie.

Jazz influence was decisive his style, as well as the Cuban music from the 50’s. On 1961 he moved to the UK where he joined some reggae bands. On 1976 he recorded with Island Records his most important album: Man From Wareika.

During the 70’s he joined the 2 Tone movement, being part of The Specials. From 1996, besides of other projects, was a member of Jools Holland’s Rhythm and Blues Orchestra.

On August 2015, being 80 years old, Rico Rodriguez entered in the hospital in London, after some time of convalescence, he passed away on Friday September 4th 2015 at, nearly, 81 years old.

In this record Andrés Cotter, along with the prestigious Argentinian trombone player Bebe Ferreyra, decides to pay tribute to the great Rico Rodriguez in a Big Band format. They have selected four tunes from Rico’s repertoire, with some of the best local musicians, having as result 15 minutes of the highest musical level.

Forever Rico!

Tributo a Rico Rodriguez Big Band!