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Viv Rodd
(Course Director and piano) E: vivrodd@truro-penwith.ac.uk Viv started studying the Piano and Trombone at the age of 12. Over a period of 6 years Viv pursued a parallel process of Jazz and Classical studies which shaped the early days of Viv’s creative musical development and exploration. At the age of 19, a three-year classical piano scholarship was offered to study at the Royal School of Music in London. Not having an ambition to pursue a career as a classical pianist, Viv turned this down in favour of becoming principle pianist on the famous ocean liner R.M.S. Queen Mary on its Southampton to New-York run. Searching out New York’s Jazz venues in the 60’s, Viv sat in and played with many of the greats including: Sonny Rollins, Clark Terry, Charles Mingus, Roy Eldridge, Mark Murphy and many others. Viv spent many years travelling (mostly with his own group), and backed hundreds of top artists in clubs worldwide. Generally regarded as first choice accompanist to many Jazz artists visiting the West Country. Also worked with many of the big names in British Jazz including; Bobby Wellins, Clare Teal, Gilad Atzmon, Don Weller, Don Rendell, Norma Winstone, Steve Waterman, Stan Sulzman, Tim Whitehead, Theo Travis and countless others. Course Leader, Lecturer and Educator on the Plymouth University BA (Hons) Contemporary World Jazz Degree Viv has also taught at Truro College. A prolific composer/arranger, with over 20-recorded compositions to his credit. Latest C.D. recordings include Maiden Voyage (Trio with guests), Green in Blue (Quintet), Dialogue (Duo with guitarist Alan Thomson) ‘Dedicated to You’ Duo with Kris Gayle, and the 2008 release of ‘8am’ with singer Kris Gayle. This album is available nationwide. Jack Massarik critic of the London Evening Standard made this his C.D. of the week 07/06/2008. Massarik commented: ‘I searched for credits, the likes of George Duke - but found instead local hero keyboarder/arranger Viv Rodd. ‘We are currently playing many cuts’ Bob Perry, Big Sticks Broadcasting Corp, New York. ‘What a sensational album’ Harold Ellison Shoalhaven Radio Inc Australia. Never assume that London monopolises British jazz talent (Massarik). ‘Cornwall’s best kept secret’ Humphrey Lyttleton. The new ‘acoustic’ Trio album “Sketches” was also released in early 2008. Viv has a personal ambition to write a book on the understanding and ‘simplifying’ of Jazz Improvisation. Five Nationwide Jazz Broadcasts 2006-2008 Dazzling Keyboard Artistry “An Inspiration” Jim Mullen “Amazing Player” Gilad Atzmon |
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