Watch Alfredo Rodríguez's Tiny Desk Concert

Alfredo Rodríguez, the prominent Cuban pianist and Quincy Jones mentee stopped by NPR Music's headquarters recently to perform a Tiny Desk Concert in support of his new album The Little Dream. Today Alfredo's Tiny Desk Concert had its worldwide release, watch what NPR Music calls, "Cuban pianist Alfredo Rodríguez gave our office audience a very quick lesson on why pianists from that island nation are so impressive: they treat the piano as the percussion instrument it is. Rodríguez immediately let fly with an intense flurry of notes that were as melodic as they were rhythmic."

Alfredo Rodríguez's critically acclaimed album The Little Dream has seen continued support from NPR Music, with a First Listen, and hailed, "Alfredo Rodríguez is a figurehead of the new generation of Cuban jazz musicians who observe and honor their roots while constantly seeking new avenues for expression."

In addition, the new album The Little Dream has garnered accolades from a series of esteemed publications like New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Billboard, Jazz Times, Downbeat, and many more.

The Little Dream is a powerful message for the Dreamers and youth affected by the controversial regulations surrounding the DACA program. Rodríguez understands how important "dreams" are, especially for today's youth - and the immigrant children known as "DREAMers" - for shaping a more unified future. He expresses, "the title of my new album, The Little Dream, is my response to our current world climate. The title comes from my fascination with the dream world, which is a beautiful manifestation of our reality. My greatest dream is one where all humans live happily and in peace. Children are the hope and the answer to creating a world of love, peace, unity and understanding."

As jazz music sees a resurgence in younger audiences, Rodríguez is leading the way for the new wave of Cuban musicians, including past collaborators Ibeyi and Pedrito Martinez. The rich musical history of Cuba is finally being exposed to a wider audience, which has always been a hope for many upcoming artists.

Rodríguez reflects on the title The Little Dream, "is about the child that is within us all, and how imagination and creativity are messages for hope. No one knows better than me that a little dream can become a big dream, and big dreams can become reality."

Watch the Tiny Desk Concert here.

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