Renowned Cuban pianist Alfredo Rodríguez Jr. recently took to Instagram to share a unique twist on the iconic Super Mario Bros. soundtrack, infusing it with vibrant Cuban musical elements. This rendition, reminiscent of timba rhythms blended with classic Cuban piano styles, offers a fresh take on the beloved video game music.
The video, presented as a soundcheck, features the talented trio of Rodríguez on piano, Michael Olivera handling percussion, and Yarel Hernández on bass. Rodríguez playfully posed the question, "What if Mario grew up in Cuba?" The public's reaction was swift, garnering over 14,600 likes and 331 comments on his Instagram post.
Musical Exploration Beyond the Nintendo World
This isn't an isolated experiment. The same trio collaborated on the album ¡Take Cover!, released in January under Take Cover Records, which showcases eleven international hits—ranging from "Hotel California" to "Mission Impossible"—reimagined with Cuban rhythms and jazz improvisation.
Among these tracks is a version of "La Comparsa," highlighting a stylistic link to Ernesto Lecuona that becomes apparent when listening to their Cubanified version of Super Mario's soundtrack.
A Legacy of Video Game Music Reinterpretation
Video game themes aren't new to Rodríguez's repertoire. His 2019 album, Duologue, recorded with Pedrito Martínez, already featured a take on Super Mario Bros 3. This summer's video offers a fresh interpretation of that material, now in trio format and brimming with the spontaneity of a live rehearsal.
The Musicians Behind the Music
Michael Olivera, originally from Santa Clara and a graduate of Havana's National School of Arts (ENA), currently resides in Madrid. He leads The Cuban Jazz Syndicate and has collaborated with artists such as Sting, Esperanza Spalding, and Tomatito.
Yarel Hernández, a bassist born in Fomento, Sancti Spíritus, in 1985, also attended the ENA and relocated to Madrid in 2019. His career includes international tours as both a bassist and music director for Ricardo Arjona.
These three musicians, sharing Cuban roots and education, now contribute to the rich tapestry of contemporary Cuban music from abroad, exemplifying the creativity of the Cuban musical diaspora.
Alfredo Rodríguez's Unconventional Path
Discovered by Quincy Jones at the 2006 Montreux Festival and a Grammy nominee in 2015 for his rendition of "Guantanamera," Alfredo Rodríguez Jr. has a history of bringing Cuban music to unexpected places. In 2018, he gained viral fame with a timba version of Beethoven's "Für Elise," and in 2021, he reimagined songs associated with Havana, showcasing his flair for musical reinvention.
The album ¡Take Cover! also features collaborations with artists like Pedrito Martínez, Alain Pérez, Cimafunk, and Al2 El Aldeano, underscoring that this project extends beyond a mere viral soundcheck.
Exploring Alfredo Rodríguez Jr.'s Musical Innovations
Who are the musicians accompanying Alfredo Rodríguez Jr. in the Super Mario rendition?
The musicians include Michael Olivera on percussion and Yarel Hernández on bass, forming a trio with Alfredo Rodríguez Jr. on piano.
What is the significance of the album ¡Take Cover!?
¡Take Cover! features reimagined versions of international hits with Cuban rhythms and jazz improvisation, showcasing the creativity of Rodríguez's trio.
How has Alfredo Rodríguez Jr. contributed to the Cuban music scene?
Alfredo Rodríguez Jr. has been instrumental in introducing Cuban music to new audiences through innovative reinterpretations of classical and popular music.