Though he has overcome many obstacles and achieved much in the pursuit of his musical career, trumpeter Pete Rodriguez regularly feels that he needs to dodge others’ assumptions about him and truly introduce himself… and as emphatically as possible. Rodriguez’s new recording, I’m Pete Rodriguez, Volume 1, is a bold declaration of intention and identity, not only musically but personally.

On I’m Pete Rodriguez, the trumpeter presents a brand new quartet. Longtime friend and collaborator Rudy Royston wasn’t available for Rodriguez’s project but suggested his young son, Koleby Royston. The younger Royston proved to be a perfect fit with a professionalism and dedication beyond his youth. Rodriguez met bassist Raul Reyes in Dallas. The University of North Texas grad impressed with a fabulous command on his instrument and a winning personality. Reyes relocated to New York and introduced Rodriguez to pianist Esteban Castro, who had just graduated from Julliard, and the tremendous woodwind player Jon Beshay.