Mondays with Morgan: Willy Rodriguez – New Album ‘In The Unknown (I Will Find You)’

Key Takeaways

• Album releases March 13 via Sunnyside Records.
• Bassless trio showcases open, multi-directional improvisation.
• Tribute to Rodriguez’s late mother shapes emotional core.
• Features saxophonist Ingrid Laubrock, pianist Leo Genovese.
• Blends jazz with Latin, rock, and classical influences.

Summary

Puerto Rican‑born drummer Willy Rodriguez will release his new album In The Unknown (I Will Find You) on March 13 via Sunnyside Records. The record features a bassless trio with saxophonist Ingrid Laubrock, pianist Leo Genovese and spoken‑word contributions from Allan Harris. Inspired by the death of his mother, Rodriguez describes the project as an emotional outreach rather than a technical showcase, embracing a "multi‑directional" improvisational approach. The album reflects lessons from mentors like Dave Liebman and Billy Hart and draws on Rodriguez’s experience with the Mars Volta and his Latin Grammy background.

Pulse Analysis

The contemporary jazz scene is witnessing a resurgence of bassless ensembles, a format that forces each player to fill harmonic space without a traditional anchor. Rodriguez’s decision to strip the trio of a bass line aligns with this trend, allowing Laubrock’s saxophone and Genovese’s piano to weave fluid, conversational textures. By emphasizing "multi‑directional" improvisation, the album invites listeners into a soundscape where rhythm and melody can pivot freely, echoing the experimental ethos of early ECM recordings while maintaining a modern, urban edge.

Beyond its structural innovations, In The Unknown (I Will Find You) is rooted in personal grief. Rodriguez channels the loss of his mother into compositions that balance vulnerability with artistic ambition. This emotional transparency resonates with a growing audience seeking authenticity in music, and it mirrors a broader movement where jazz artists embed narrative storytelling into their work. The inclusion of spoken‑word artist Allan Harris further blurs genre lines, creating a meditative dialogue between instrumental improvisation and lyrical reflection.

From a market perspective, the album benefits from Rodriguez’s diverse résumé—Latin Grammy accolades, Mars Volta sessions, and mentorship from jazz luminaries like Dave Liebman and Billy Hart. Such credentials enhance the project’s credibility across multiple listener segments, from avant‑garde aficionados to fans of progressive rock. Released on Sunnyside Records, a label known for championing innovative jazz, the record is poised for critical attention and festival programming, especially as Rodriguez prepares a May concert at Smalls. Its cross‑genre appeal may also attract streaming playlists that curate boundary‑pushing jazz, potentially expanding his fan base and influencing future collaborations.