musician spotlight

This week we feature Florence based saxophonist Roderick Brown! Roderick is a multi-instrumentalist woodwind player that can be heard all throughout the state playing in places such as Columbia, Florence and Charleston. Rod is a versatile musician and a great guy. We asked him some questions.....

-When did you start playing?

-I started guitar at age 5, then saxophone at age 11.

-What was some of the first music you loved?

-The Pointer Sisters, Eric B. and Rakim, Fat Boys, Run DMC. Then I discovered Charlie Parkers music.

-If you could pick a different instrument to play what would it be and why?

-The trumpet. I always loved the personality it has as a jazz instrument.

-What are you listening to these days?

-A Bob McChesney album called "Chez Sez" as well as various jazz vocalists from different eras.

-What's one of the coolest places you've played?

-A jam session with Emmet Cohen's trio featuring saxophonist Tivon Pennicott at Smoke Jazz Club in NYC.

-Who is a musician you think other people should know about?

-Wes Montgomery.

-What's keeping you busy these days (musically and non)?

-Leading a jazz combo, learning pop music for weddings, teaching at Coker University as an adjunct and playing with the Florence Symphony. I am also enjoying life with my wife Juanita and our dog. We bought a new house and have been settling in nicely.