Cuban musician's journey of note

Alfredo Rodriguez's life has been filled with music and now he's brought his life-long talent to the Expo 2010 Shanghai.

Cuban musician and composer Rodriguez, 24, was one of the composers for the Expo English-version theme song, Better City, Better Life and performed it at the closing ceremony of the 13th Shanghai International Film Festival on June 20.

The experience of working with the some of the world's best musicians was an amazing experience for Rodriguez, who is the youngest of the four composers of the theme song.

He worked with Oscar-winning Chinese composer Tan Dun, Grammy-winning songwriter Siedah Garrett and musical legend Quincy Jones.

"I was flattered to be invited to compose the song," said Rodriguez. "I started to learn more about Chinese instruments and Chinese music to mix it with American and Latin music."

He said composing the song wasn't anything out of the ordinary for him. "I'm always writing music - sometimes it's on paper, other times it's just in my head," he said. "But literally in every moment, including right now, I am mulling over musical ideas in my head."

He said he enjoys writing compositions for a variety of music styles. "I am also working on jazz compositions, film compositions and classical compositions, all of which I still need to get down on paper," he said.

Music played an influential part of Rodriguez's childhood. "My entire childhood is a series of musical memories," he said. "My father is one of the most famous singers in Cuba and, as I grew up, I had the opportunity to be exposed to multiple styles of music."

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Rodriguez wanted to play drums but switched to piano when he entered in the Manuel Saumell Elementary Classical Music Conservatory in Havana at the tender age of seven. By 14, he was the conservatory's prized pianist.

Watching Rodriguez play piano is a moving experience. He swings and shakes his whole body with the melody. Classically trained, his musical repertoire spans from traditional Cuban music to modern jazz. But it wasn't until 2006 that his lucky break came when Quincy Jones noticed him at a jazz festival.

He said that Jones is like a mentor. "He taught me not to be scared and to pursue anything," Rodriguez said.

For three years, Rodriguez struggled with the difficult decision of whether to leave behind his home country and pursue his dreams. "It's been hard because my family is in Cuba. I do not just miss my family, but also my customs, my life, my friends and the things that I grew up with," said Rodriguez. "However, music is the sole reason why I'm here. I am far away, but at the same time very close."

Since arriving in the United States in 2009, Rodriguez has played for 18,000 fans at the Hollywood Bowl. Both of his New York and Los Angeles club debuts sold out.

"He is very special and I do not say that easily because I have been surrounded by the best musicians in the world my entire life," said Jones.