Touching Greatness with Allan Jay Santos

EP. 8: Living a Life of Improvisation with Reuben Rogers


Listen Later

Reuben is a jazz bassist who has played alongside of some music’s most renowned artists including Wynton Marsalis, Joshua Redman, Charles Lloyd, Roy Hargrove, Marcus Roberts, Nicholas Payton, Mulgrew Miller, Jackie McLean and Dianne Reeves, and so many others.

He’s played on more than 300 recordings including his own outing as a bandleader with the 2006 release of The Things I Am.

While he is constantly sharing his artistry in new settings, styles and challenges, Reuben’s career is remarkable for the longevity of many of his artistic relationships.

He maintains musical partnerships reaching back to his earliest mentors. He enjoys rewarding long-term collaborations with several artists, including notable tenures with Joshua Redman, the Aaron Goldberg Trio and Charles Lloyd. These are relationships that have lasted a decade or more.


In this conversation, we talk about:

  • The importance of relationships
  • The 3 things that make up part of his personal philosophy 
  • The choice of less and leaving space
  • Trusting in your preparation 
  • How constraints can create breakthroughs
  • Choosing to relate to himself as an artist
  • Focusing on your “body of work”
  • What the greatest bandleaders have taught him about leadership

  • Charles Lloyd has said of Reuben:

    "Reuben has a great talent and ability to play in the now with wonderful intelligence and a beautiful inventiveness. He is deeply passionate and brings humor and a warm humanity to the whole situation."


    I have no doubt you’ll feel Reuben’s presence, his passion, his humor, his wisdom and his humanity in this conversation.


    Please enjoy.

    ---

    Reuben:

    Reuben's Website

    Select Spotify album links:

    The Things I Am

    Corridors - 2023 Kendrick Scott release featuring Reuben Rogers and Walter Smith III

    YouTube:

    Joshua Redman Trio with Reuben Rogers and Kendrick Scott - Jarasum Int'l Jazz Festival 2017


    Allan-

    Sign up for the ⁠Newslette⁠r!

    ⁠Allan's Website⁠

    IG: ⁠@allanjaysantos⁠

    FB: ⁠allan.santos1

    ...more
    View all episodesView all episodes
    Download on the App Store

    Touching Greatness with Allan Jay SantosBy Allan Jay Santos

    • 5
    • 5
    • 5
    • 5
    • 5

    5

    10 ratings