Brazilian guitarist Rod Rodrigues is kicking off the new year with a brand-new EP. Containing five songs, “Tales of a Changing Life Part 1” is the follow up to the follow –up to 2010’s “The First Step: Introduction”, and features Rod’s most melodic and elaborate work to date. The album will be premiered on Rod Rodrigues’ YouTube channel today (February 01st, 2022) at 12:15 EST. Find the link below.
Rod Rodrigues has played guitar for thirty years, and developed his style by mixing influences from prog, metal, fusion and jazz. He is primarily focused on the progressive melodic style, where he is not worried about playing a million notes per second, but where melody is the main point. The new EP is the first part of a conceptual story told in musical notes, which celebrates the changes in Rod’s life in recent years. He wears his influences on his sleeve on the five tracks of “Tales of a Changing Life Part 1”, with prog-rock elements and shred guitars being sprinkled with funk and fusion.
Rod enlisted Italian guitarist Marco Sfogli (James LaBrie, PFM, Intervals, Virgil Donati) on the expansive track “Woodbine Sunset”. The evocative cover art was done by Gus Avancini, and encapsulates Rod’s journey through different geographical locations, different weathers and different moods. The EP is truly an odyssey through the realms of instrumental music.
“Tales of a Changing Life Part 1” track-listing:
1.– The Opening / D257
I – Ad Ostium
II – The Second Step: Liberty
III – What Lies Ahead
2.– Woodbine Sunset (Feat. Marco Sfogli)
3.– La Premiere Experience
4.– Changing Plans
5.– Physical Distancing
“Tales of a Changing Life Part 1” was mixed by Renato Osório, edited by Diego Pereira and Benhur Lima, and mastered by Tony Lindgren (James LaBrie, Marty Friedman, Opeth) at Fascination Studios in Sweden.
Three official videos from EP tracks were previously released: “Woodbine Sunset (Featuring Marco Sfogli),” “La Premiere Experience” and “Changing Plans.” They all can be watched / streamed below.
“Tales of a Changing Life Part 1” Recording line-up:
- Rod Rodrigues / Guitars
- Marco Sfogli / Second guitar solo on 2
- Heitor Tenorio / Bass on 1 and 4
- Mike McLaren / Drums on 1
- Orlan Charles / Keyboards on 1, 2, 4 and 5
- Bruno Ladislau / Bass on 2 and 3
- Rodrigo Abelha / Drums on 2, 3, 4, 5 and Percussion on 5
- Fabiano Pires / Percussion on 2
- Milo Andreo / Keyboards on 3
- Ricardo Parronchi / Bass on 5
- Dallton Santos / 1st Guitar solo on 5
- Renato Osório / 2nd Guitar solo on 5
Aside from the new EP, Rod’s plans for 2022 are already in full flight: a new single is being planned for release in May, and the writing process for the follow up of “Tales of a Changing Life Part 1” is already underway. Allow yourself to be taken on a musical trip, via the crafty hands of Rod Rodrigues!
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