Kemuel Roig is a Cuban-born jazz pianist and composer renowned for his unique fusion of Afro-Cuban jazz and traditional jazz styles. His innovative approach and technical mastery have distinguished him in the contemporary jazz scene, where he adeptly bridges his cultural heritage with modern jazz improvisation.
Born on December 18, 1988, in Camaguey, Cuba, Kemuel Roig exhibited an early interest in music, initially aspiring to be a drummer. By age 8, he was accepted into the Vocational Art School "Nola Sahig" in Ciego de Avila, where he honed his skills in classical piano and drums over five years. In 2002, Roig moved with his family to the United States, settling in Miami. There, he furthered his classical piano education under the tutelage of Martha Cortina during high school and began his jazz performance studies at Miami Dade College at 16. Roig eventually received his Master's Degree from the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami.
Kemuel Roig's performances are a testament to his profound influences, drawing inspiration from legendary artists such as Chucho Valdez, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Chick Corea, McCoy Tyner, Fred Hersch, Brad Mehldau, and Keith Jarrett. His work elegantly integrates the rich rhythmic patterns of traditional Cuban music with the nuanced improvisation of modern jazz, resulting in a dynamic and expressive musical style.
Roig joined Grammy Award-winning trumpet player Arturo Sandoval's band at just 20 years old and toured with him for eight years, during which he recorded on Sandoval's album "Live at Yoshi's." His collaboration with Al Di Meola on the album "Opus" further cemented his status as a versatile artist. Roig released his debut jazz album as a leader, "Genesis," a showcase of his compositional and pianistic talents. He has worked with a host of notable musicians, including Randy Brecker, Chris Potter, and Ed Calle.
Roig's discography reflects his diverse musical pursuits:
Kemuel Roig's latest album, "Prologo (Serie Live at Home)," was released on January 17, 2025. His recent work includes singles such as "Wave," "A Night in Tunisia," and "Autumn Leaves," which are part of the "Serie Live at Home" collection.
Known for his precise and soulful piano renderings, Kemuel Roig deftly balances complex bebop passages with slow, emotional ballads. His deep understanding of Cuban music and rhythms is evident in his work, as he seamlessly incorporates modern jazz elements into his compositions.
Roig has graced a number of prestigious venues and festivals, such as:
Kemuel Roig's collaborative projects include "Milonga Noctiva" with Al Di Meola, merging elements of jazz, tango, and world music, and "Paz, Paz, Cuan Dulce Paz" with Ben-Hur Berroa, which highlights his adept bebop style.
Roig's music often reflects his Christian faith, with spiritual themes woven into various compositions and albums. His personal life also influences his work, as seen in the piece "Kendrick (Blessed Child)," inspired by one of his two children.
Kemuel Roig stands out as a pivotal figure in modern jazz, celebrated for his technical prowess, compositional acumen, and skillful merging of diverse musical traditions, which continue to influence and inspire the jazz community and audiences worldwide.
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