DC Bebop Featured SAL LA ROCCA
November 15, 2014
MUSIC: Featured Musician & Playlist*
Sal La Rocca
Music : Sal is originally from Seraing, Belgium, near Liège.
He was first a Rock guitarist, but switched to the bass as his instrument of choice after hearing (for the first time) music by several jazz greats.
After switching, he taught himself how to play by the age of 23. Over time, he become one of the most “in demand” double bassists in Belgium and in the European theater.
Starting in the mid 80’s, Sal has toured and performed with a wide array of musicians on the European continent.
The 90’s saw him expanding his presence with world tours.
His list of celebrity musicians he performed with continued to grow, adding well known names like Lee Konitz and Toots Thieleman to his musical resume.
During his career, Sal has recorded on numerous albums. In 2003, he released his first album “Latinea”, included musicians Bruno Castellucci, Peter Hertmans, Kris Goessens and Jacques Pirotton. Around this time, Sal became the official bassist of singer Anne Ducros, playing, recording and touring with her group for several years.
He added several jazz greats to his resume, including trumpeter Randy Brecker and pianists Thierry Eliez, Enrico Pieranunzi, Jacky Terrasson and René Urtreger.
In 2007, he became the bassist for pop rock group Vaya Con Dios. Sal participated in both a European and world tour with the group. In 2010, he was bassist for the Steve Grossman Quintet performing at the Dinant Jazz Night Festival. The group featured Steve Grossman, Nico Menci, Alvin Queen, Joe Lovano and Sal.
In 2011, he joined the Gregory Houben Quintet, which was comprised of Gregory Houben (trumpet), Pierrick Pedron (alto sax) and Sal La Rocca (bass). Sal met American singer Denise King through French pianist Olivier Hutman. They formed a trio that performed in what is referred to as the Benelux States (Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg) and France.
In 2013, Sal released his second album “It Could Be The End” (featuring a number of original compositions) through Igloo Records. The group was comprised of Lorenzo Di Maio, Pascal Mohy, Hans van Oosterhout and Jacques Schwarz-Bart.
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