When San Joaquin valley native, Carlos Rodriguez, steps onto the stage, dance floors fill with rhythm, color, and movement. A natural-born entertainer, Rodriguez puts Afro-Latin drum grooves against searing electric guitar riffs creating an infectious party vibe.    

Born into a rich musical heritage, Rodriguez has over twenty years of experience fusing folkloric instruments along with electric sounds as recorded on his 2010 album FORECLOSURE.

During the recording of that album, Rodriguez traveled to the west African country of Guinea to study traditional drumming. Under the tutelage of master percussionist, Mamady “Wadaba” Kourouma, Rodriguez studied west African drumming and culture for one month in a village somewhere off the map in forest Guinea. “That trip changed my music and my life” said Rodriguez."

Carlos is a hired gun for Latin groups throughout the valley and abroad. He has played percussion or guitar with Mento Buru, Patrick Contreras, Rumba 32, Steve Salas (Tierra/El Chicano), Lance Canales and The Flood, Joel Rafael, and David Amram.

Rodriguez’ latest release, BARELY BREATHING, was a venture in the world of Latin jazz featuring tributes to jazz legends Wes Montgomery and Cal Tjader.

Rodriguez lives in California’s San Joaquin valley where he performs with various groups and produces music out of his home studio. He is still the frontman and bandleader for the Latin dance band, Mezcal, since 1996.