Rolando Grooscors has worn the hats of producer, composer, and arranger, but is best known as an accomplished jazz guitarist. Impressively adequate in all these fields, he's twice received Latin Grammy nods and his latest album, Thankful, has garnered positive criticism and acclaim from notable jazz musicians. Pianist and vocalist Darryl Tookes, for one, gave Groscoors a glowing testimonial for his web site, described the guitarist's playing as "soulful [and] creative; his 12-tone improvisatory style is always completely accessible and joyous."
Grosscors was born in Caracas, Venezuela, and his love for the music of both his homeland and Brazil has influenced his jazz/fusion style. And while his guitar work is for what he's best known, he's also a virtuoso on the cuatro, which is a traditional Venezuelan style of guitar -- think ukulele in size and thick, acoustic guitar in sound.
Tonight, he plays upstairs at the Van Dyke, with a sextet rounded out by Abel Pabon on piano, Ricardo Martinez on bass, Jose-Gregorio Hernandez on percussion, Ed Quintana on saxophone and flute, and Raymond Monroig on drums. That's a serious group, and it will be a real pleasure to see them fill the venue with their individual strengths and synergy.
Rolando Grooscors. 9 p.m. Thursday, May 20. Upstairs at the Van Dyke Cafe, 846 Lincoln Rd., Miami Beach. 305-534-3600; thevandykecafe.com
KCC Productions' residency at the Van Dyke on the second, third and last Thursdays of every month and their growing evening over at Jazid on Tuesdays are doing God's work of returning culture and live music to South Beach. Now, if only the parking situation could be worked on. Oh well, wishful thinking.
Rolando Groscoors' Sextet. 8 p.m. on Thursday, May 20th at the Van Dyke Café, 846 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach. Call 305-534-3600 or visit www.thevandykecafe.com
